MLB will start using a pitch clock this season.
Hurlers will have 15 seconds between pitches if there is nobody on base, and 20 seconds with at least one runner on.
Batters have to be alert to the pitch by the eight-second mark.
This wave of changes stems from the fact a sizable portion of fans complained about games being too long, and pace being too slow.
So far in spring training, the typical game lasts between two hours and 20 minutes and two hours and 40 minutes approximately, give or take.
Now, the World Baseball Classic is still not adopting the new rules.
That means there is no pitch clock and pitchers can take the time they want and need.
The difference between spring training games and the WBC is unbelievable.
“World Baseball Classic game times: 4 hours, 9 minutes <— Cuba vs. Panama; 4 hours, 4 minutes <— Japan vs. Korea; 3 hours, 58 minutes <— Italy vs. Chinese Taipei; 3 hours, 54 minutes <— Czech Republic vs. China,” Codify Baseball tweeted.
World Baseball Classic game times:
4 hours, 9 minutes <— Cuba vs. Panama
4 hours, 4 minutes <— Japan vs. Korea
3 hours, 58 minutes <— Italy vs. chinese taipei
3 hours, 54 minutes <— Czech Republic vs. China— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) March 10, 2023
Those are some Thursday and Friday WBC games.
Going from two-and-a-half hours to more than four is certainly something.
It proves why MLB did what it did.
The new rule is believed to be included for future Classics, or at least that what logic indicates.
For this edition, we are seeing too many long games because of the absence of the clock, too many pitching changes, and lots of balls and walks.
Some people have no issue with longer games, but most of the younger generations prefer the quicker pace and the not-so-long games.
Whichever way people may prefer, the difference is tangible and very much noticeable.
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