It's about time! (pun intended)

On a side note... This will be one of the last overly verbose, blowhard, self-congratulatory, and partially deluded press releases by Bud "Baseball Satan" Selig...

Haven't received my invitation to this panel yet, but here's my unsolicited contribution to quickening game pace: call strikes!

I contend that a clock is part of the answer and possibly a few less commercials between innings.  Selling any kind of clock in baseball is tough because the bias against them is ingrained in the traditionalist thinking.  I truly believe a clock that makes batters stay in the box and pitchers move the ball would add to the game's pacing for the better. 

I have heard the arguments about when runners are on base, so give a few extra seconds but go to the plate or make a play on the runner.  How many shots in the NBA or plays in the NFL are made with 1 or 2 seconds on the clock? Tons.  Part of the excitement in those games is the anticipation of the something happening as the clock winds down and a play has to be made.  Baseball would benefit similarly.  Think about a bases loaded 3-2 count with 5 seconds on the clock and counting.  The anticipation would be even higher that something big is about to happen. 

I would also increase the penalty for a base on balls to facilitate strikes and to end  pitching around the best hitters in the game.  Treat them like ground rule doubles.  No more walking a hitter with a man on 2nd and 1st open with 2 outs.  Do that and the runner scores and the batter ends up on 2nd.  The intentional walk is the worst play in baseball.  It is terrible to see good hitters get the bat taken out of their hands.  Again in football or basketball the best players drive the game and wouldn't it be dumb to limit Peyton Manning to 20 passes a game or something like that. 

As for Selig, his personality is terrible for the job he is in.  He tries hard but no matter what he does he comes across badly.  The labor peace, expanded playoffs and interleague play will be will be his best contributions and over time will help his reputation. 

They should get rid of replay during the regular season and utilize it for the playoffs only for plays that occur at the plate or a HR...other than that it should not be used.  If we keep it up next thing you know they will want to use it for balls and strikes!!

phillyinNJ - Spent a few years in Cherry Hill.  Nice area. 

I think the football model might be a better option.  2 Challenges and a 3rd if you win both.  Just go out and say what the issue is and have an umpire in New York or whatever make a call.  No one leaves the field and all that.  As soon as the Manager leaves the dugout the play is under review.  It could be over before he reaches the umpire.  No more tantrums and kicking dirt and that stuff either.

Managers would actually have to decide if arguing over a stolen base call or a banger is worth a challenge.  Might speed the game up to keep them in the dugout too.  Make the pitcher throw in 12 seconds and the guy has to really hate the call to come out and it will end the whole tossing coaches and players thing too because if they don't like it then make the challenge, otherwise shut up about it and play ball.

LB...cherry hill is only a few minutes south of me...it is a nice area around here...lots to do.

I agree about the 3 challenges piece, but feel the ump and coach arguments are part of the game...

I welcome Uncle Bud's attempt to speed up the game.  Hitters are the issue from my view point.  Here is my simple suggestion to the MLB wonks:

1) Batters stay in the batters box.  No practice swings or walkabouts to practice your swings if you take a ball or a strike.  

2) Adjust your gloves before you get into the box because that will be the last time you will be allowed to do so.  If it is a problem, don't wear gloves!

3) The game moves at the pitchers pace not the hitters.  See 4) below.

4) Pitchers have 30 seconds once they receive the ball with no runners on base.  Pitchers have 45 seconds once they receive the ball with runners on base.

5) The offense can call time once per inning.

6) Pitchers and catchers can conference once per inning with no runners and twice with runners on base per inning.

I just gave you 20-30 minutes back on every game.  Enjoy!

Good to try to keep the pace of the game faster.  But hate interleague games takes some of the fun from the world series.  Don't need to see LA and the Yankees playing during the regular season but love to watch them in October.  

Good job Fenway,  I will add:

6) Your helmet is on tight, Mr. Gomes, you don't have to mash it onto your dome after every pitch.

7) No writing of anything in the dirt with your bat.

8) All displays of religious devotion are be confined to the on-deck circle.

9)  Stay in the box between pitches. You can put one foot out while taking signs.

10) Pitchers must stay on the bump. One visit by a catcher or fielder per inning. The next one counts as a visit by the manager.

11) Managers have 5 seconds to decide whether or not to contest a call. No waiting for the signal from the video guys.

I think what everyone is missing here as far as time of the game goes are COMMERCIALS. Ever go to game that wasn't televised? I know just about every game is nowadays. And I am giving my age away on this one, The time difference is remarkable. Forget a clock, just forget it. Doesn't belong in the game. If it was supposed to be on a time limit it would have had one already.

Moses - I did mention a few less commercials would be helpful and that traditionalists would hate the clock.  Your posts sums up nicely what I suspect many would feel about it and I get it.  I do miss the crisp 4-2 game that took 2:20 to play.  Much better watch than the same game running 3:05. 

The commercials = money and that is going to get worst before it gets better.  It might be having them run in the corner during the game or have a banner streaming at the bottom of the screen might allow the between innings ones to be fewer and that could help.

For those that think 45 seconds between pitches helps are way off.  Since there are about 250 pitches+ per game at 45 seconds a pitch it would take a minimum of 180 minutes just to PLAY the game.  Add in the between innings, pitching changes etc. and the games would stretch to 4+ hours.

The average time between pitches last year was 22.6 seconds.