Timer Terms

MLB announces its rollout of the spring training pitch clock:

• 1. In the first spring training games, the 20-second timer will operate without enforcement so as to make players and umpires familiar with the new system.
• 2. Early next week, umpires will issue reminders to pitchers and hitters who violate the rule, but no ball-strike penalties will be assessed. Between innings, umpires are expected to inform the club’s field staff (manager, pitching coach or hitting coach) of any violations. 
• 3. Later in spring training, and depending on the status of the negotiations with the Major League Baseball Players Association, umpires will be instructed to begin assessing ball-strike penalties for violations.

This really should not be a big deal. There is plenty of leeway for stoppages of play, foul balls, and batters who don’t get in the box. The minor league pitchers I saw under the timer had no problems.

from baseballmusings.com https://ift.tt/2BMYFXa