With the possibility of MLB bringing back the bullpen car, we could be seeing Vizcaino and the rest of the Atlanta Braves bullpen ride out in style.
In its attempt to speed up the game, Major League Baseball is considering bringing back cars to bring out relief pitchers from the bullpen to the mound. Currently, pitchers jog (or run) out to the mound and it usually takes a commercial break for them to get there and warm-up. So could Atlanta Braves relievers be zooming down the field in carts in the near future?
Cool feature of speed-up-the-game negotiations between MLB and players: The return of bullpen carts! Union has asked MLB to consider them, and MLB is considering it, where possible, as early as 2018 season.
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) February 2, 2018
The idea started in the 1950s-1970s and was not a fan favorite for many. Over time the car/cart’s design changed from a little tractor-like buggy to the infamous “baseball on a cart” look.
I'm all about the bullpen cart. This is the hero baseball needs. pic.twitter.com/ZTH90hpgsO
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 2, 2018
And of course the New York Yankees putting a spin on it…AN ACTUAL CAR! That was pretty awesome.
In comparison to the Yankees... pic.twitter.com/zpctOnKqMW
— Chicago Reels (@ChicagoReels) February 2, 2018
I personally don’t mind it, I think it would help conserve the energy of the relievers and also actually save some time because not all of the pitchers come out dashing for the mound. I just hope the change the design of the cart if they do bring it back.
Cars would be cool. Something similar to that is during celebrations and number retirements, like when Chipper Jones rode on a Camaro around Turner Field.
The Fenway Park @RedSox bullpen cart from 60s/70s at Classic Car Show on Boston Common pic.twitter.com/4COx3c4gsL
— Downtown Boston BID (@DTownBostonBID) September 25, 2016
I don't know if bullpen carts are a practical solution to this pace of play issue people seem to be worried about in baseball, but I'm for it anyway just for the fun of it. Of course it's another advertising venue for teams to put sponorships all over the cart
— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) February 2, 2018
Is It Necessary?
Out of all the things that MLB is apparently considering (limited times of mound visits, clocks, etc) this seems like one of the better options.
One negative that could be a problem that basically led to the end of bullpen carts is from the players. According to MLB’s article, many of the players eventually just opted to not use the carts. That’s probably because it was going the same speed as the pitchers were jogging and so they could just cut the awkwardness with sitting with a driver.
Another is it could be a momentum killer. The relievers are coming out of the bullpen, with the energy peaking after those warm-ups but now have to sit in a cart to the mound, which could slow down their heart rate and cool them down.
However, it really just depends on how fast the carts will be going. That’s going to determine if the return of carts will be necessary or not. If the cart is speeding down the mound going at 25+ mph in a tiny frame, it might KEEP the players heart racing.
A typical commercial break is about 2-3 minutes. It usually starts right when the manager takes the ball from the current pitcher or when the camera cuts to the new pitcher coming out of the bullpen.
After the commercials, the game returns typically either with the reliever finishing up his warm-up throws or right on the 1st pitch to the batter. So would that mean the return of the carts mean shorter commercial breaks? Or will they be the same length and make the whole issue moot?
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So, do you want MLB to bring back bullpen carts? Would you be up for Sam Freeman and Arodys Vizcaino riding in carts to come in for relief?