MLB’s changes have already made the game better

ron Cook PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

MLB just can’t win. A lot of younger fans complained about the slow pace of games and said they lasted too long. MLB responded by putting in a pitch clock this spring to speed things up. Now, older fans are saying they hate the changes and that they loved the slow pace because it allowed them to relax between pitches and talk with their friends and check out their phones.

What is MLB to do?

I have some advice:

Don’t even think about turning back. The pitch clock is good. So is the elimination of shifts. The changes will lead to quicker games and more action. You are doing the right thing. Don’t listen to the angry old fools.

As for those old-timers?

Get over it. Give the changes a chance.

You’ll end up liking them. They are going to make the game better in the long run.

And one more thing:

I probably don’t have to point out that I’m a really old fan of baseball.

The early results of the pitch clock in spring training have been terrific. The Athletic reported there were 113 violations in the first 65 games, an average of 1.74 per game. The average time of the games was 2:39, down from 3:01 last spring. That is a significant decrease. Fans are getting the same amount of action but saving 22 minutes each game to do something else with their life.

Actually, fans are getting more action – at least better action – with the shifts being eliminated. ESPN reported also came up with some big plays down the stretch that included the gamewinner, he said.

Foul trouble also caused the Vikings to go with a smaller lineup at times late. Whitney presented some challenges with more physicality than anticipated and strength in the “paint.”

“We’re not sure if this is the most talented team we’ve had, but they won’t give up,” Holloway said. “They play hard together and they don’t implode. Even at the timeout with us down 1, they didn’t waver.

They knew what needed to be done. This team really pays attention at the key moments.”

Holloway has never taken a Vanden team to the state championship and he knows what is on the line Tuesday. He is counting on a loud crowd to help get the Vikings over the top against a very talented San Joaquin Memorial (23-9).

“It’s going to be surreal,” he said. “We hope our home crowd shows up and gives us a big lift and helps push us over the hump.”