I've been making the same points about the pitch clock to total strangers online for the last 4 days, and I'm still getting all kinds of pushback from old "traditionalists" about it ruining the game. I honestly don't get it. I know the game never had a clock before, but like you said, it's making the gameplay feel like the old days they've been pining for. And now that they're getting it, all they can do is whine and say "We don't need a clock! We need less commercials!" or nonsense like that. First of all, good luck getting billionaires to leave advertising money on the table. (Though if you can figure out a way, I'll get behind it. But you're still going to have natural breaks between innings.) Second, the problem is not overall length of game, the problem is pace of play. The clock addresses that issue directly, & any change on the other is just a consequence. And I'm fine with that. We're getting the same amount of baseball we've always had (9 innings!), just a whole lot less standing around and other filler. I've also been accused of being a "demmycrat" who loves following more rules and doesn't understand a sport I've loved and watched for nearly 40 years. (And a sport, I can admit, whose entertainment value has diminished somewhat in recent years.) I'm not sure how you argue with that kind of logic, and at this point, I'm not sure why I'm still trying. Clearly, my life has taken a few wrong turns to end up at this exact point.
IMO the pitch clock is a welcome change. I think the rule changes affecting how many times a pitcher can throw to first and the bigger bags will increase SB significantly.
Spot on about the pace being the issue. The games I've watched this spring are brisk and engaging. I will admit that it's taking some getting used to on my part, and that's because the change is so drastic. But sometimes, drastic change is necessary. This is really going to help baseball.
Feb 28, 2023·edited Feb 28, 2023Liked by Craig Brown
I'd be surprised if Garcia makes the team out of spring training. He's got a quarter season at AAA and less than one full one at AA/AAA combined. A couple months of him tearing it up in Omaha and Dozier struggling would do it tho. He's also an option at 2B if Massey doesn't produce. Nick Loftin may be a sleeper as well now that he's gotten physically stronger. Royals management is pretty slow usually with prospects but eventually they move.
It would be quite the upset if Garcia breaks with the team, but as you said, it wouldn't be surprising if he holds his own at Triple-A for a couple of months he ends up at The K.
Agree with you on Loftin as a sleeper. Interested to see his strides with another turn at Triple-A.
Its unrealistic to think Dozier will be even serviceable defensively. I'm not quite as down on him as many offensively tho. He had a decent first half last year and an atrocious second. Maybe another injury? Idk.
I've been making the same points about the pitch clock to total strangers online for the last 4 days, and I'm still getting all kinds of pushback from old "traditionalists" about it ruining the game. I honestly don't get it. I know the game never had a clock before, but like you said, it's making the gameplay feel like the old days they've been pining for. And now that they're getting it, all they can do is whine and say "We don't need a clock! We need less commercials!" or nonsense like that. First of all, good luck getting billionaires to leave advertising money on the table. (Though if you can figure out a way, I'll get behind it. But you're still going to have natural breaks between innings.) Second, the problem is not overall length of game, the problem is pace of play. The clock addresses that issue directly, & any change on the other is just a consequence. And I'm fine with that. We're getting the same amount of baseball we've always had (9 innings!), just a whole lot less standing around and other filler. I've also been accused of being a "demmycrat" who loves following more rules and doesn't understand a sport I've loved and watched for nearly 40 years. (And a sport, I can admit, whose entertainment value has diminished somewhat in recent years.) I'm not sure how you argue with that kind of logic, and at this point, I'm not sure why I'm still trying. Clearly, my life has taken a few wrong turns to end up at this exact point.
IMO the pitch clock is a welcome change. I think the rule changes affecting how many times a pitcher can throw to first and the bigger bags will increase SB significantly.
I'm counting on it. It's not the sabermetric play, but you know...a little more action isn't that bad.
You're ok with me, Patrick!
Spot on about the pace being the issue. The games I've watched this spring are brisk and engaging. I will admit that it's taking some getting used to on my part, and that's because the change is so drastic. But sometimes, drastic change is necessary. This is really going to help baseball.
I'd be surprised if Garcia makes the team out of spring training. He's got a quarter season at AAA and less than one full one at AA/AAA combined. A couple months of him tearing it up in Omaha and Dozier struggling would do it tho. He's also an option at 2B if Massey doesn't produce. Nick Loftin may be a sleeper as well now that he's gotten physically stronger. Royals management is pretty slow usually with prospects but eventually they move.
It would be quite the upset if Garcia breaks with the team, but as you said, it wouldn't be surprising if he holds his own at Triple-A for a couple of months he ends up at The K.
Agree with you on Loftin as a sleeper. Interested to see his strides with another turn at Triple-A.
Its unrealistic to think Dozier will be even serviceable defensively. I'm not quite as down on him as many offensively tho. He had a decent first half last year and an atrocious second. Maybe another injury? Idk.
...and Garcia makes his case by going deep. Possibly not out at the K but a sure extra base hit.
If you agree, we can meet back here every game and see if we can work that mojo for Garcia during the regular season...No matter where he’s playing.
Ha. Sure. 3 AB, 3 barrels.