Mastering the Pitch Clock: KBO League Exhibition Game Analysis by Sports Chosun

2024-03-26 01:12:17

Sports Chosun = Reporter Park Sang-kyung

On the 9th, a KBO League exhibition game between Lotte and SSG was held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan. Lotte Na Kyun-an is playing against SSG Heredia. An exhibition game testing the pitch clock. Busan = Reporter Song Jeong-heon [email protected]/2024.03.09

Even though it is a pilot operation, it is an already established system, but the result is ‘ignored’.

On the 7th, a practice match for the Blue and White match between Hanwha Eagles players was held at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon. Ryu Hyun-jin pitching within the pitch clock time. Daejeon = Reporter Song Jeong-heon [email protected]/2024.03.07

A total of 96 pitch clock violations were recorded in the opening series. The pitcher committed a violation 62 times, the batter 33 times, and the catcher once. It seems to fit the prediction that pitchers would have more difficulties than hitters.

In an exhibition game between LG and KT in the KBO League held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 9th, KT Kim Young-hyun is receiving a pitch clock warning with one out and 1st and 2nd bases in the top of the 9th inning. Suwon = Reporter Heo Sang-wook [email protected]/2024.03.09

However, if you look at each team, the differences are huge. While Lotte violated 30 times, which is close to ⅓ of the total violations, KT did not have a single violation. Coincidentally, Lotte and KT were the teams that most opposed the introduction of the pitch clock during the exhibition game. When I opened the lid, I got the exact opposite result.

An exhibition game between Samsung and Lotte in the KBO League held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 14th. A stopwatch is installed in front of the infield stands for the pitch clock. Daegu = Reporter Park Jae-man [email protected]/2024.03.14

Pitch clock violations are not necessarily something to be criticized. This is because it is only a ‘pilot introduction’. Originally, the KBO League planned to officially introduce the pitch clock in first-team games starting this season, starting from the second half of the year after piloting it in the first half of the year. However, due to opposition from the field during the pilot game and problems with the introduction of Peachcom, the direction was changed to introduction next year. In the case of a violation, a warning call is made after the game is stopped and the game resumes. In the case of a violation, a warning is issued after the play is over. It was a measure to relieve anxiety in the field about a system that is still unfamiliar and requires adaptation.

Of course, no one disputes that an adjustment period is necessary. However, considering that most teams attempted to adapt to the pitch clock early from last year’s closing camp, and the same was true during this spring camp, the statement that ‘there is not enough time to adapt’ is bound to be less persuasive. If there were no preparations while opinions were being exchanged about the implementation of the system, that is a problem.

The pitch clock effect was proven to some extent through the opening series. The average time for 9 innings over two days is 3 hours and 6 minutes, including overtime, 3 hours and 9 minutes. Compared to last year (3 hours and 12 minutes), the effect of shortening the game time was proven. The faster pitcher-batter tempo according to the pitch clock played an important role.

From the fans’ point of view, it is welcome because they can avoid watching boring matches. However, if the number of violations accumulates and a sense of ‘if you don’t follow the rules is enough’, this effect is bound to be halved.

The ‘grace period’ is ultimately preliminary work for formal introduction. This is why efforts are needed to protect it even before its official introduction. The fact that 6 out of 10 clubs, more than half, only committed single-digit violations can be evaluated as their own efforts to comply. Nevertheless, on the other hand, it is worth raising awareness of the fact that the system is becoming ineffective.

The pitch clock is in line with the efforts of the entire KBO League to provide fan service through faster and more exciting games. It is also a promise that all 10 clubs must keep, even if not immediately. Even if you can’t keep up, you shouldn’t pour cold water on your efforts.

Reporter Park Sang-kyung [email protected]

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