MLB is introducing a multitude of rule changes ahead of the 2023 regular season, including larger bases, defensive turn limits and more.
But the pitch time rule, where starters and relievers will have to meet the clock in the hope that MLB will speed up games, has been a hot topic.
Former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling, who will be a part of OutKick’s podcast lineup with his «The Curt Schilling Baseball Show» this Friday, weighed in on the shot clock during an appearance on «Fox & Friends» on Wednesday. .
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Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is introduced during the 2018 World Series championship ring ceremony before the Opening Day game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 9, 2019 at Fenway Park in Boston. (Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
«Let’s be very clear, the only pitchers that will be affected by the shot clock are pitchers that suck,» Schilling explained. «No good pitcher is going to bother about the shot clock.
«Good pitchers will never, ever be affected by the clock because good pitchers always work fast.»
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All pitchers work at different rates, some are ready to go after throwing a pitch, while others are more methodical. That’s why MLB wants a status quo when it comes to time between pitches, which is why the shot clock is 15 seconds between pitches without runners on and 20 seconds when there are.
So pitchers like the Houston Astros’ Luis Garcia, Baltimore Orioles’ Jorge Lopez and more will need to pick up their pace if they don’t want to get fouled.
Schilling also divulged his thoughts on other rule changes, with the limit on first base pickoffs being one in particular he doesn’t like.
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling faces the Cleveland Indians during the playoffs in Boston on October 13, 2007. (Reuters)
«If you put Ricky Henderson on first base and say, ‘Okay, the pitcher can’t throw now,’ what now?» he said. «It’s going to be a dramatic change. It might take a little bit of time to get the hang of it, but you’re going to see a significant change in the way the game is played.»
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He has a point. When running threats get to first base, they know pitchers are limited to two times they can intercept each plate appearance. MLB could see an increase in attempted steals and stolen bases with this new rule.
In terms of defensive changes, Schilling called it a «horrible rule» that infielders must always stay on the ground. But he does envision outfielders running to the infield in certain scenarios.
«What it could actually do is force hitters to start hitting away from the turn,» he said, «which they should have done in the first place.»
Former Phillies pitcher Curt Schilling before the Milwaukee Brewers game at Citizens Bank Park on June 9, 2018 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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Schilling’s podcast will air new episodes every Tuesday and Friday during MLB spring training and will continue through the 2023 season on OutKick.