Manny Machado on MLB rule changes: "You’re going to have some players who are going to be freakin’ angry and p*ssed off"
MLB's latest rule changes have caused chaos, confusion and disorder amongst players, coaches and fans, and we haven't even played a game yet. With the first game of spring training set to be played on Friday, players are trying their best to wrap their heads around the latest updates.
The league has put a new set of rules in place with the goal of speeding up the game and improving the viewer experience. The bases will be bigger, the shift will be prohibited and the pitchers and hitters will have to adjust to a new pitch clock.
All-Star infielder Manny Machado was the latest to add his views on the rule changes:
"You’re going to have some players who are going to be freakin’ angry and p*ssed off... Some of us older players, we don’t like change too much."
Per a recent article in USA Today, Machado called on the league to give players some leeway during the early stages. He also called for MLB to make adjustments as the season goes on.
"We are changing the game a lot, so let’s make this as simple as possible," added Machado
The pitch clock with will likely have the biggest impact on the game. MLB's EVP of Baseball Operations Morgan Sword called it "probably the biggest change that's been made in baseball in most of our lifetimes."
"Every effort at change in baseball evokes a certain amount of negativity in the beginning"
Rob Manfred on MLB's rule changes and change in general: https://t.co/VXZG3DY6ky
"'Every effort at change in baseball evokes a certain amount of negativity in the beginning' Rob Manfred on MLB's rule changes and change in general:" - SNY
Pitchers will have 15 seconds to deliver a pitch. This will increase to 20 seconds if there are any runners on base. These changes could lead to some interesting scenarios.
MLB will implement a new set of rules for the 2023 season including a pitch clock
The updated format has already been used in the minor leagues with great success. While some players (especially pitchers) are unhappy about the new rules, others are excited about a faster game with an added psychological aspect.
Mad Max is ready for the pitch clock😤🔥
#LGM #Mets #NewYork #MLB https://t.co/kO5Fyk65Yy
"Mad Max is ready for the pitch clock #LGM #Mets #NewYork #MLB" - Sportskeeda Baseball
Former AL MVP Mike Trout was one player who was able to see the positive side:
"All of the feedback I got last year from Triple-A is that they loved it."
The Seattle Mariners face off against the San Diego Padres on Friday afternoon in what should be an interesting contest. No one knows what to expect with this new form of baseball. While some players are excited about the changes, others forsee problems with the new format.