카지노The KBO should also prepare for the implementation of the pitch clock.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) introduced a pitch clock this year. It’s a move to shorten the length of games. Pitchers have 15 seconds to pitch when there are no runners on base and 20 seconds to pitch when there are. If that time is exceeded, a “ball” is called. The batter has eight seconds to prepare to hit. If they do not, a ‘strike’ is called.
In the American Minor League Rookie League, there was no pitch clock until the first half of the season. It was the same situation in the KBO. Games often lasted more than three and a half hours. Not many pitchers had a fastball that could reach 150 kilometres per hour. There was no limit to the number of times a catcher could go up to the pitcher on the mound, so time was running out. Hitters also called time after two strikes to take a deep breath.
In the second half, things started to change. Unlike the first half, which was played on a practice field, the second half was played in a stadium with a pitch clock. Up until now, pitchers in the minor leagues have had to pitch within 14 seconds with no runners on base and 19 seconds (Triple-A) or 18 seconds (Double-A and Single-A) with runners on base. That’s a second or two faster than the big leagues. This was done to acclimate players to the pitch clock from the lower levels. In the Rookie League, it’s 14 and 18 seconds, respectively. We’re actually seeing a reduction in game time. The effect has been felt, with games ending in two hours and 40 minutes.
Players are redefining their routines. Pitchers are trying to minimise their preparation time on the mound and batters are trying to minimise their time at the plate. It’s not a simple task. It’s not easy to change a long-standing routine in a few months.
Drew Luchinski (Oakland Athletics), who played in the KBO’s NC from 2019 to last year, told me a similar story during spring training this year. “It’s hard because of the pitch clock,” he told me via message. “I think it’s harder to keep your rhythm, your breathing, because you’re pitching against the clock instead of being a fast-paced pitcher on the mound. You don’t have time to think about your pitches, especially with runners on base. If you don’t have all the information about your opponent’s batters entered before the game, you may not be able to pitch in time.
The KBO is also trying to shorten the length of games. A pitch clock will definitely be implemented. The details of the plan will be discussed by the KBO and the clubs, but you should be prepared. In the Rookie League, there was chaos in the early part of the second half. There is at least one pitch clock violation per game. Instead, minor league pitchers’ slide step times have been significantly shortened. Teams have different manuals, but it’s becoming increasingly common for teams to start pitching with a slide step altogether at the rookie level. Shortening the game time seems to have become a necessity for players and coaching staffs to prepare for.
Catchers, pitchers, managers, and coaches need to spend less time signing. The introduction of Pitchcom, an electronic device that allows pitchers and catchers to quickly exchange autographs when there are runners on base, could be considered. If allowed, this would eliminate the autograph stealing controversy.
To ensure that the new rules are seamlessly integrated into the KBO, careful preparation is required. In the case of the pitch clock, it could mean the difference between a strikeout and a walk. You’ll need to communicate with your team to make sure it’s implemented quickly and appropriately. As the saying goes, ‘to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail,’ and I hope that the KBO League will plan for the future wisely.
Dong-wook Lee, Rookie Team Coach, San Diego Padres