2023 rule changes, unintended consequences

[kmac32]

The pitch clock definitely shortens the game and may lead to more DWI arrests as if you have to drink the same number of beers in a shorte time, then there will be more drunk drivers. Also the beer vendors will make less as fewer beers can be consumed in 2 hours. Bet MLB didn’t consider these facts.

[brass_rat]

I knew I would like the pitch clock, but I didn't realize I would love it as much as I do. Games were just becoming unwatchable with all of the stalling...

Now if they would only get rid of replay challenges or at least penalize unsuccessful challenges, that would be great.

My guess is that teams had pitchers doing a while lot more tabata with their workouts over the off-season to help reduce their recovery times between pitches. That, plus going max effort less frequently during the game. I wouldn't be surprised if pitcher injuries actually drop in a couple of years once they learn how to pitch instead of just throwing hard...

[Harliduck]

When I first heard it was going to be a thing, I was against the pitch clock and didn't enjoy it watching Minor league ball that we have locally. Just didn't feel right, and I consider myself a traditionalist. But like others, I really loved the pace of the Ms/Guardians game last night and I'm glad the telecast didn't have the timer shown. It was out of sight, and the game moved at an amazing pace. Im a convert.


We did have a moment last night that was definitely an unintended consequence. A reliever came in the 8th and it was clear he wasn't comfortable. The sold out crowd got louder, and he got an infraction. Next pitch, the crowd loudly started counting down! He threw the next pitch over the catchers head! The crowd made a HUGE difference, didn't see that coming. He went from 0-2, to walking him...then he gave up a 3 run home run...Ms won 3-0. Sports radio today could not stop talking about how the large and loud crowd made a difference. This will be a game changer on many levels.

Guess I'm not as traditionalist as I thought. Still hate the extra inning ghost runner...hate it.

[Gary Dunaier]

Originally Posted by kmac32

The pitch clock definitely shortens the game and may lead to more DWI arrests as if you have to drink the same number of beers in a shorte time, then there will be more drunk drivers.

I've read that a couple of teams are already either delaying last call by an inning, or eliminating it altogether.

Not good.

Last call is an issue of public safety. If someone gets killed by a drunken driver and it can be proven the driver was at a game where last call was delayed or removed, you can bet the team will be named as a defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit.

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by Gary Dunaier

I've read that a couple of teams are already either delaying last call by an inning, or eliminating it altogether.

Not good.

Last call is an issue of public safety. If someone gets killed by a drunken driver and it can be proven the driver was at a game where last call was delayed or removed, you can bet the team will be named as a defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Be interesting to see what happens. The games are going so fast and the teams are probably losing a lot of sales of beer in these shorter games
Hopefully they find a responsible balance

[Bestdj777]

Maybe it’s just me, but I think individuals can be personally accountable for their decisions to drink and drive…. I love the new pitch clock. A 7pm game that goes 3.5+ hours is brutal.

[sycks22]

I'm usually a purist when it comes to baseball, but I love the pitch clock. It cuts out 25-30 minutes of dead time that needed to be cut out. Having a guy throw over to first 4-5x's per at bat just to delay the game was too much. I also don't think it'll impact the long term effect on a pitchers' arm if they speed up their delivery by 3-5 seconds.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by mrreality68

Be interesting to see what happens. The games are going so fast and the teams are probably losing a lot of sales of beer in these shorter games
Hopefully they find a responsible balance

Do the teams run the concessions now? Back years ago, it was an outside company that ran the concessions under contract from the team. Harry M Stevens was the one here, and probably other places as well.

The teams and MLB may be taking some heat from whoever is running them, if the available selling time has been reduced for all concessions.

[insidethewrapper]

Maybe they could open up earlier ( 30 more minutes) so the fans could see batting and fielding practice and this would also increase some vending and merchandise sales.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by steve B

Do the teams run the concessions now? Back years ago, it was an outside company that ran the concessions under contract from the team. Harry M Stevens was the one here, and probably other places as well.

The teams and MLB may be taking some heat from whoever is running them, if the available selling time has been reduced for all concessions.

There may be some variations on a theme out there. But for the most part, I think it's contracted out. Although I suspect the teams get a cut of the sales.

And I agree that anyone running concessions now might want to revisit their contract when it comes around to renewal time, particularly if the new pace of play has impacted sales.

Side note: My favorite vendor pitch has always been the guy walking down the aisle yelling at the top of his lungs: "Sack-a-nuts!!!!"

[icurnmedic]

Much better to watch now, faster, same amount of play in shorter time, just much more entertaining.
I did not expect that to be the case.

However, how is this going to affect the teams revenue, not only with concessions and apparel , but what about TV advertisement ? I would think shorter games means less advertisers? Maybe someone could clear this up.

[raulus]

Originally Posted by icurnmedic

However, how is this going to affect the teams revenue, not only with concessions and apparel , but what about TV advertisement ? I would think shorter games means less advertisers? Maybe someone could clear this up.

It seems like TV ads mostly come in-between innings. And those shouldn’t be affected by the pitch clock.

They did shorten the between inning time a few years ago. But the speed of each half inning of play shouldn’t have an impact on ads, unless the broadcasters are sneaking in ads during play.

[Jim65]

Originally Posted by icurnmedic

Much better to watch now, faster, same amount of play in shorter time, just much more entertaining.
I did not expect that to be the case.

However, how is this going to affect the teams revenue, not only with concessions and apparel , but what about TV advertisement ? I would think shorter games means less advertisers? Maybe someone could clear this up.

They also have commercials during the game, I've seen quick 5 second ads and longer ads on a split screen.