The MLB has implemented a 20 second pitch timer for all of spring training games. First off, this does not mean that it will be added to regular season games juts yet, as for right now it is merely just a test. This is one of a few ways the MLB is using to try and speed up games.
Currently a normal MLB game last around 3 hours, compared to most other sport events which lat about an hour to an hour and a half. This timer would be for hitters and pitcher, trying to force both to be ready at a constant rate of time. Penalties would also result from this for example of a pitcher is not ready within the 20 second time period the batter would automatically receive a ball to his count. However, if the batter was the one not ready he would automatically receive a strike to his count. The MLB is using a progressive strategy to implement this rule into spring training games. Meaning in the first week of use the timer will be used for pitchers and batters alike to get used the feeling of seeing the timer. Then in the second week for either player using more than the 20 seconds the ump will be issuing warnings to the respective players. Finally in the 3rd week and beyond the umps will start adjusting the batters count based on who didn’t obey the clock. Anytime there are rule changes to a sport there are always going to be haters and traditionalists who oppose these new ideas. This is happening now with players and fans, players being the more important of the opinions. As many people really involved with baseball know, pitching and hitting is a very mental concept with the limited amount of time a player has to react to a pitch or a pitcher deciding the right pitch to throw at the right time. For some pitchers, they require themselves to mentally regroup after each pitch. With that being said many pitchers and players alike are against the implementation of a time restraint mainly for the fact that it takes time to get mentally ready and also because of how tough it will be to get used to for awhile.