Arr, the pitch clock o' MLB be makin' the defense sharper, so sayeth the players an' captains!
2023-07-06
Arrr, me hearties! 'Tis said that some scallywags and captains reckon that the pitch clock be aidin' the crew to guard thar treasure with greater might! Aye, forsooth, the swift pace keeps 'em sharp and focused. A jolly good defense be their reward!
The implementation of the pitch clock in Major League Baseball (MLB) has not only affected the pace of play, but it has also had a positive impact on defense. Players and managers have noted that the pitch clock keeps fielders more engaged in the game, preventing them from getting distracted or losing focus. Seattle Mariners second baseman Kolten Wong, a two-time Gold Glove winner, praised the pitch clock for keeping fielders constantly on their toes and preventing them from taking unnecessary breaks.The pitch clock, along with other rule changes aimed at speeding up the game, has successfully shortened the average length of games. The average game length of 2 hours and 40 minutes is the shortest since 1984. However, the impact on defense has been an unexpected bonus. Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell credited the pitch clock for improving left fielder Christian Yelich's defensive performance. Counsell believes that the faster pace of the game makes it easier for defenders to stay focused and react quickly to plays.
Other players and coaches echo Counsell's sentiment. They believe that the previous delays between pitches made it challenging for fielders to maintain their concentration. The pitch clock has alleviated this issue, allowing fielders to stay locked in throughout the game. Fielders have noticed a difference in their readiness and agility due to the faster pace of play.
While there is no concrete evidence to support the theory that the pitch clock has directly improved fielding, players and managers believe that the increased engagement and quicker game flow have had a positive impact. The debate continues as to whether it is the pitch clock or the athleticism of the players that has led to better fielding. Nonetheless, the general consensus among players and managers is that the pitch clock has been advantageous for defensive play.