Perhaps the biggest change going into the 2015 MLB season was the pace of play initiative. The big push was that there would be a timed clock for inning breaks and new pitchers.
Many have deemed the pace of play as a welcome addition and Pittsburgh Pirates union representative Neil Walker has stated that he has not heard any backlash.
“Halfway through the season, guys were very happy with where it was and how we were doing,” Walker said. “They told us to keep it up. I haven’t been told anything otherwise.”
Lately, however, there is the feel that games have been taking longer. Pitchers’ times to the plates have been longer, and not just notoriously slow workers such as Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander just Jeremy Hellickson. Also, more hitters are backing out of the batter’s box with more regularity.
“On the field guys have not been aware of it as much,” Walker said. “At the same time, with extra pitchers coming into the game or things like that, you’re aware that’s going to happen because bullpens this time of year are more tired. You’re trying to maximize your guys as much as you can. A couple of switches in an inning will make the inning longer.
“The fans may be noticing it more, but you’re not going to hear the players complaining about it all that much. If guys are being ridiculous about it, like stepping out of the box after every play or stepping off the mound or taking too much time in between pitches, it would probably get addressed. At the same time, I don’t think you should change your game plan or your approach just to speed the game up.”
Another explanation for the recent uptick int the length of games could be the heat and humidity of the middle of summer and the critical stage of the MLB season.
“I think at this time of the year, especially teams that have an opportunity to play in the bigger games and have more opportunities to be in wild card and division races, guys may be taking their time, but I’m not sure,” said Walker. “I don’t know exactly why that would be, but it might have something to do with the time of year, with guys being tired and needing more time mentally and physically. It could be guys being extra focus.”
All told, the pace of play initiative has made a difference this season and when major league officials reflect on year one, they will likely will be satisfied. It isn’t perfect, and they will admit that, however, the effort to play quicker games is there and that alone will keep fans more engaged.
Photo credit: AP Photo
