Pitch Clocks

I'll state my feeling on it again.  There already are rules in place that stipulate that a pitcher has 20 seconds to deliver the ball.  The problem is that umpires are not enforcing it.  

I don't like the idea of a physical clock in baseball.  It remains the only sport without one.  Keep it that way.  

If MLB was serious about speeding up the game, they would instruct the umpires to enforce the rules already in place.

bballman - I guess we see the problem the same and the solution differently.  I just do not believe that the umpire should be on the hook without a consistent and enforceable support.  Which is why it is not enforced today. 

Here is why:

Picture the NFL Delay of Game or NBA Shot clock violation depending on one of the officials actually having to take the time to hand count the 40 or 24 seconds.  And then when they make the call how crazy everyone would be when the TV network puts a clock on it and says - that was off by 2,3,4 or more seconds. 

It would be mayhem and everyone would scream for a clock - because it exists. 

Baseball rules were written back when US Grant was president and not on the $50 Bill.  Electricity did not exist to run a clock much less a clock to use it.  Let's update it ....just a little and bring technology on a baseball field up to what the 1940's or 1950's.  I think my GrandPa would approve. 

I do not buy into the notion that things should not change.  Baseball will improve it's pace with a clock but the game still will not end until the right number of outs are recorded. 

In my world there is never a clock for that only the one that keeps the pace moving so it happens faster. 

How about if umpires enforce this rule?  How much time could be cut out if the batters didn't constantly step out of the box after EVERY pitch?

How about if the umpire first gave a warning to either the pitcher or batter - Step it up so and so or I'm calling a ball/strike?  You wouldn't need a clock.  Just a warning, if the  batter or pitcher didn't comply, call the ball or strike.

Why shouldn't the umpire be expected to enforce the rules of baseball??  Because it isn't easy to do?  There are a lot of things they are expected to do that aren't easy.  It's why they get paid good money to enforce the rules and make judgement calls.

I just don't like the idea of a clock in baseball.

I don't like instant replay either, but if they are going to have it, why not put a clock on that??  How many times do you see them take 3, 4 5 minutes to make a decision on a call?  How bout if they have 1 minute or a minute and a half to make a decision.  If they can't decide in that amount of time, with all the HD, super slo-mo video they have today, it is too close to call - automatically go with the call on the field.  That in and of itself would save a lot of time.

Work within the existing rules, grow a backbone to get these guys to pick it up and everything will be fine.  No need for a clock.

Obviously, this is my opinion, but I'm sticking with it.  

I am for all of this.  Anything to make the game faster.  Starting with stay in the box is a great first step and should happen.  Putting the genie back in the bottle starts with MLB telling everyone it is coming.

I still think you can not have something quoted as timed in the rules - and not have a clock on it without having a enforcement nightmare - and thus it is not happening.  I'd rather not have a clock but I just don't see it happening without one so I am frustrated by it and want it fixed so there is no doubt.

Clock on Replay has to happen too.  MLB should have a guy setup to do in in NY the way goals are reviewed in NHL.  Takes 30 seconds and move along.  The Camera guy in the dugout has the feed to the Umpire in NY.  Get the call move along.

Faster paced games = better games.  Discussing the Mechanics of it - luv this board!