MLBits: Players React Mostly Negatively to Pitch Clock, Reed’s Deal, At Age 30, McCutchen, More

Jan 22, 2018

There’s simultaneously nothing (no actual baseball, sloth-like free agent market) and a lot (impending pace-of-play changes, Union/League strife) going on right now, which makes for an extremely weird January.

Let’s catch up on the latest …

On those impending pace-of-play initiatives (which we covered in more detail right here), Ken Rosenthal spoke to Mets reliever Jerry Blevins, Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta, D-Backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy, and Nationals starter Max Scherzer to gauge their perspective. Each conceded that the pace and length of baseball games is a problem. On the clock, itself, however, the responses ranged from “it fundamentally changes the way the game is played,” (Iannetta) to … well, that’s basically how they all feel. You can tell some leave a little more room than others, but overall they don’t seem to be at all in favor of the clock, hating especially the idea that it would impact balls and strikes. Rosenthal has much more, including their reaction to the proposed penalties, impact on sign stealing, alternative solutions, and more. Great read, whether you agree or not.

Not every Major Leaguer is whole-heartedly against the clock, though. At MLB.com, Anthony Castrovince catches up with a number of players to get their thoughts. Among the more refreshing takes, include Indians outfielder Greg Allen, who has already had experience with the pitch clock in the Minors: “At first, you’re a little over-conscious of it, with it being so new,” Allen said. “But the more time that you spend with these game clocks, it becomes more of a normal aspect of the game. You don’t pay attention to it too much.”

Andrew Miller is not as big of a fan, Chris Sale thinks it’ll be fine (especially because he likes working quickly (we’ll have to get into which Cubs pitchers work quickly or not to see which might be more negatively affected by a clock)), and Mike Clevinger says he’ll be OK with a clock, but thinks most other players will not. Castrovince’s article is a really good one if you’re looking for how some players will publicly respond (there are more accounts in there), so be sure to check it out.

But despite the apparent mix of opinions, Twins second baseman Brian Dozier claims that the union is unanimous in its opposition to the Commissioner’s proposals (i.e. the game clock and immediate penalties of balls/strikes for non-compliance), and believes that the players just need to hold themselves accountable: “It’s up to us as players, especially the more veteran guys, the leaders, to make sure players aren’t taking 30 seconds to get up to the plate, listening to their walkup song, or getting on and off the field.”

[Brett: The problem with any solution that isn’t a hard-and-fast rule change is that it will, eventually, be ignored. The proof is the fact that Dozier seems to forget that MLB *already did* tell batters to stay in the box unless they took a swing, with the threat of fines for the worst offenders … and nothing happened. You can’t just tell guys “hey, speed it up out there” and expect hundreds of players to just do it. Frankly, the fact that the players are so freaked out by the pitch clock could be used as an argument to support its implementation: clearly, it’s going to change behavior.]

And from me … I don’t know – I’ve said my peace on this issue, but, in general, while I’m never a fan of “change for change’s sake,” the counter argument of “you’re changing the game!” just doesn’t make any sense to me. The game changes ALL THE TIME. Usually, it’s for the better. So if the players think it’s changing for the worse, they need to explain why beyond, “because it’s different than it was.” I’m open to that discussion, I just haven’t heard a compelling version yet.

Moving on from pace-of-play, Craig Edwards (FanGraphs) has an excellent piece of analysis at FanGraphs exploring the idea that players hit a sudden decline at age 30. Turns out, that might not be as true as we think. Players that are ages 30-33 are earning almost the same exact % of the total WAR as their 19-25-year-old counter parts despite very similar overall playing time. The ideal age-group, of course, is still those age 26-29-year-olds, though I’d argue that even that feels like a bit of a surprise (at least, given the WIDE margin between them and the next best group).

Players Don’t Become Terrible at 30 https://t.co/IMH2DcZ0sl

— FanGraphs Baseball (@fangraphs) January 22, 2018

At the Players’ Tribune, Andrew McCutchen says his goodbye to Pittsburgh. As you can imagine, leaving the Pirates is a really enormous change for McCutchen, who made his role in Pittsburgh a part of his identity: “Don’t get me wrong — I know who I am. But I guess I mean, more like … who am I now. Because in my mind, for the rest of my life, I don’t think I’ll ever not be Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirate. For me, that’s been more than just a job title. That’s been a part — a core part — of my identity, for so long.” I’m sure the feeling is very mutual.

If you were following along with me this winter, you’ll know I often pined over (former) free-agent reliever Addison Reed for the Cubs’ bullpen … and was bummed to learn he signed with the Twins (for an unusually cheap deal at that). And as it turns out – I knew there had to be a reason he signed for relative peanuts – family and geography played a big role in his decision. “Reed’s wife is from Akron, Ohio, so the well-traveled right-hander from San Diego State gave veteran agent Adam Katz a short list of teams that would interest him.” Among those teams were the Twins and Indians, though, so you have to imagine the Cubs were at least an option (ditto the Cardinals? White Sox?). Oh, well. Best of luck, dude.

Oh, I am very here for this:

The Top 50 MLB Bat Flips of All Time? Uh … Yes, Please. https://t.co/MQSgIZdZWD pic.twitter.com/b42EmNFsZ8

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) January 22, 2018

I hope we get some of these at Wrigley Field one day in blue:

One of the best: pic.twitter.com/aqt4nYjHJB

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) January 22, 2018

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Now We Know Why Ian Happ Was Removed Mid-game

In the top of the seventh inning of today's 8-3 win over the Miami Marlins, Alexander Canario trotted out to left field in place of Ian Happ. At first, we thought (or maybe just hoped) that Craig Counsell was giving...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 8, Marlins 3 – April 19, 2024

And just like that the Chicago Cubs are the first team in the NL Central to reach 12 wins! They're not technically in first place yet because the Brewers (11-6) have played fewer games, but we're talking about a matter...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson with Back-to-Back Slick Defensive Plays

With a lefty Marlins starter on the mound this afternoon, Nico Hoerner lead off today's game for the Chicago Cubs. And he did it in style, ripping a leadoff double to the left-center field wall, before coming into score a...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Marlins at Cubs – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: The White Sox Might be the Worst Team Ever, What Games I’m Watching this Weekend, More

Happy Friday! Well, for everyone except for the pilots who were supposed to be manning the Colorado Rockies flight last week but instead allowed a member of the Rockies coaching staff to hop in the pilot's seat for a fun...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can I Interest You in a Positive Injury-Update on Justin Steele?

Justin Steele, arguably the single most irreplaceable player on the Chicago Cubs 2024 roster, went down with a hamstring injury just 4.2 innings into his Opening Day start against the Rangers on March 28. In his place, the Cubs sixth...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

FAA Reportedly Investigating How a Passenger on Colorado Rockies Team Flight Was Seen Accessing the Cockpit

If you do this job long enough, it's really wild to see the range of topics that can somehow become attached to sports. That is to say, I did not envision myself at some point writing about flight safety, cockpit...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Giants: Live Stream or on TV

On Saturday, Zac Gallen will take the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11) versus Kyle Harrison and the San Francisco Giants (9-11), with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Oracle Park.The article below will provide you with everything...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9), with Gavin Stone on the mound, host the New York Mets (10-8) who will start Jose Butto, at 4:05 PM ET on Saturday in a series opener.Keep reading to find out all the details on...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Cardinals vs. Brewers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday, Miles Mikolas will start for the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) versus D.L. Hall and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6), with first pitch scheduled for 2:15 PM ET at Busch Stadium.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Cubs vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday, Javier Assad will start for the Chicago Cubs (12-7) versus Jesus Luzardo and the Miami Marlins (4-16), with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Bailey Ober will take the mound for the Minnesota Twins (6-11) when they host starting pitcher Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (10-9) in a series opener on Saturday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Yankees vs. Rays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Nestor Cortes Jr. will take the mound for the New York Yankees (14-6) when they host starting pitcher Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) on Saturday, with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Cincinnati Reds (10-9), led by Elly De La Cruz, host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-11) on Saturday at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Cincinnati-Los Angeles matchup below.When is Reds vs. Angels...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Guardians vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Cleveland Guardians (14-6), led by Josh Naylor, host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (8-12) at 6:10 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Cleveland play Oakland live.When is Guardians vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Mariners vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The Seattle Mariners (9-10), who will give the start to Luis Castillo, visit the Colorado Rockies (4-15) with Dakota Hudson on the mound, Saturday at 8:10 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and streaming...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

Corbin Burnes takes the mound for the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) when they visit starting pitcher Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals (12-7) at 7:10 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLBits: Players React Mostly Negatively to Pitch Clock, Reed’s Deal, At Age 30, McCutchen, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular