As Atlanta Braves Start in 2017, What is MLB Doing?

What is Going On Here?

It seems that Rob Manfred has Pace of Play on the fast track.  Tony Clark, the MLBPA Director is not nearly as energized.

Manfred seems to have wanted several changes now, and Clark prefers to wait… at least.

So now Manfred is publicly complaining about a lack of cooperation from the union.  By Ken Rosenthal’s ear, here is the response from Clark (via facebook):

"“Unless your definition of ‘cooperation’ is blanket approval, I don’t agree that we’ve failed to cooperate with the Commissioner’s office on these issues.” “Two years ago we negotiated pace of play protocols that had an immediate and positive impact. Last year we took a step backward in some ways, and this off season we’ve been in regular contact with MLB and with our members to get a better handle on why that happened.”"

Cutting Up Trees for a Toothpick

Clark went on to say that it seems MLB will be instituting at least 2 changes for this season:  a 2 minute instant replay limit (after a 30 second period for managers to make that request), plus the ‘automatic’ intentional walk.

That intentional walk will reportedly be administered via an “electronic signal” from the dugout.

Excuse me, but why isn’t having the manager hold up 4 fingers good enough?

It’s a stupid rule for something that happened exactly 932 times in 2429 games last year, but by golly the Commish is gonna make sure there’s an electronic signal to keep this part of the game moving.

The Royals – for all of their eight intentional walks issued – may have trouble finding the signal button.  At least the Braves (55) should be familiar with its location.

But Now Who’s Not Cooperating?

According to two tweets [one] [two] from Ken Rosenthal, the union had made two requests of MLB related to batting practice:

• Have the visiting team go first
• Have the home team finish up 1 hour before the first pitch

Currently, BP sometimes finishes only about 40 minutes before game time.  Rosenthal notes (via Joel Sherman) that fans might prefer to arrive earlier, too, if their team is batting last.

The answer?  “MLB said no”.

And that wasn’t even involving actual game play.

Come’on, Rob…. throw them a bone at least.

Of All Things…

So why am I even discussing such nonsense?  Well, this tweet sums it up perfectly:

According to Rosenthal and others, this is what we are now told to expect for 2017:

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• The wave-to-first base intentional walk (now)
• The limited-time instant replay (with limited time to make the request)

In 2018, Commissioner Manfred seems determined to force these additional changes:

• Strike zone size reduction
• Pitch clock
• Limited mound visits

I’m still waiting on the universal DH rule to be unilaterally imposed, but I guess he’s holding that for later.

Personally, I don’t like the intentional wave/walk, but it’s nearly inconsequential.

The instant replay changes will come as a welcome relief… probably.  My concern there is that close to half of all 2016 disputes were overturned.  Getting the calls right is fairly important – could we somehow have this… and a speedy decision?

The 2018 changes have the potential to be game changers in many ways.  Minor leagues have been using – and mostly ignoring – the clock, so rookies should at least be familiar with the concept.  Steve Trachsel would have a lot of trouble, were he still in the league.

I will tell you this, though, Braves fans.  When R.A. Dickey is pitching (or if either Kris Medlen or John Danks reaches the majors)… pay attention:  all are among the quickest throwers around.

Next: Scouting Matt Withrow

I’m sure these guys all make the Commissioner very happy.