Article: Report From The Fort: Mound Visits

[John Bonnes]

FT. MYERS - I don’t think I’ve ever noticed a pitcher, after finishing his start in a spring training game, walk straight to an umpire and have a couple of minutes conversation with him before walking back to the dugout. But that’s what Phil Hughes did after his start today. So what was he talking about?“[Catcher Mitch] Garver took a foul tip off the mask and I asked [the umpire] ‘If I go up and see how he’s doing, if that would count as a mound visit,’” said Hughes. “And he said ‘As of right now, yes.’ Which I thought was surprising, because when a guy takes a ball off a mask, we’re just checking to see if he’s all right and give him a second. We’re not talking about strategy or anything. So he said as he understands it right now, it’s ‘yes’ but he wouldn’t be surprised if there are some memos that go out that clarify.”

 

That’s in reference to the new rule implemented by MLB this year to speed up the pace of the game. In a regulation game, a team can now only have six visits to the mound. That includes everyone, not just the coaching staff. Catchers and other fielders are included, too. The loneliest spot on the baseball diamond is becoming even lonelier. But nobody knows the details yet, and so it’s become an interesting topic around the ballpark the last couple of days.

 

Yesterday Addison Reed had a quick conversation with catcher Jason Castro midway between the mound and home plate, and Reed wasn’t sure if that would count or not. Hughes was given the scenario of an umpire catching a foul tip of the mask and the catcher goes to the mound to give him a minute to recover. Would that count as a visit? “I think would also count as a mound visit – if he could remember that you did it,” said Hughes.

 

I would think there’s going to be a little bit of wiggle room as they see how it plays,” suggested Manager Paul Molitor. “Hopefully we’ll get a little more clarification tomorrow.” Tomorrow, Joe Torre, who is in charge of MLB umpires, is coming to camp and he’ll be meeting with Molitor and other Twins officials.

 

One would think that player safety (and common sense) would trump concerns about game length in this case. But it’s another example of the concerns players raised: that simple rule changes can have unforeseen consequences.

 

Hughes Champing At The Bit

The Twins beat the Cardinals 5-4 in a home game on Monday afternoon. It marked the spring debut of Erick Aybar and starting pitcher Phil Hughes. Hughes was registering 91 mph on the radar gun, threw first pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced and said he felt good after.

 

It’s likely that none of that means anything, and even Hughes acknowledges that, including the feeling good part. “I’m going to have to get to that 100-pitch mark to really have an idea,” said Hughes. “But for two innings and 27 pitches, it felt good.”

 

Obviously, one can’t expect anything from Hughes this year, but you have to root for him. He talked today about how he was a little more amped up than he expected to be. The threat of losing something might be providing that much more incentive.

 

But “want to” isn’t going to give him back his health or velocity. He’s in the same spot as we are: just keep watching and see what happens.

 

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[wabene]

Last year if I recall he was only hitting 88-89 even into the regular season. 91 is a good sign. I'm rooting for this classy Twin.

[Penthang]

I really like Hughes and watching him deal a couple seasons ago was fun to watch. I’d love to see him be able to be competitive again from any roll. That said, if the Twins get anything competitive from him this year that is a huge win for both Hughes and the Twins. 91 on his first out in with first pitch strikes sounds good, let’s hope he can ramp things up. A competitive Hugh’s in the rotation would make things interesting since I don’t think anyone was counting on him for anything this year. You can never have too much pitching, I’d love for him to grab that rotation spot.

[rdehring]

100% confidence, John, 

 

That Hughes will be much closer to the pitcher we knew in 2014 than the past few years.  He's a character guy and I expect he feels an obligation to the Twins to give them something in return for the checks he's been cashing.  

 

No question in my mind that he will be one of our top 3 pitchers, which may make this staff surprisingly good!

[dbminn]

Hopefully, the umpire will call an injury timeout on foul tips. Let the catcher and pitcher meet halfway with the ump in tow. He can listen to the conversation. Important to get this issue resolved before opening day. 

 

Happy to hear Hughes was throwing with better velo. One step at a time.

[Brock Beauchamp]

While I'm encouraged by 91, I also know better than to trust a Spring Training gun too much.

[mikelink45]

Nice story, but we all know the first 2 weeks of ST mean nothing.  I hate to see injuries take away a players career or even damage it (Mauer and Morneau).

[Dantes929]

The way its always been is not the way it always has to be.    A catcher gets his bell rung and it is natural for the pitcher to be concerned much like it is natural for the manager, the trainer, all the infielders , the catcher's wife and kids and his close friends to be concerned and yet not all of those go and see if the catcher is all right.   The correct answer to Hughes question would be "There is no reason for you to come and check how he is doing."   The guy actually trained to check if the catcher is ok and to do something about it if he is not ok is the guy that should be going to see if he is ok.   If I am not clear, that is the trainer.   The distance from the dugout is not that much different than the mound and I don't think anyone would object if the trainer jogged out there every time the catcher caught one on the noggin.   It may sound a little cold but there is nothing the pitcher can do.   Same thing with the umpire.    You don't need a mound visit to give the umpire a little time to collect himself.    Have the trainer come out and give him the time he needs.    Player and umpire safety and common sense trump length of the game but player/umpire safety and common sense says that medical staff  trump the pitcher and catcher when it comes down to who should monitor it.

[Shaitan]

 

Hopefully, the umpire will call an injury timeout on foul tips. Let the catcher and pitcher meet halfway with the ump in tow. He can listen to the conversation. Important to get this issue resolved before opening day. 

 

Happy to hear Hughes was throwing with better velo. One step at a time.

 

They'll probably have to do something like the NFL, where the player actually takes longer and plays up an injury to make sure they notice it. In other words: making the games longer.

[jctwins]

This is the first I've heard of the six visit rule. Does anyone know what the basis for six visits was? Is this average? Below average from recent years? It seems plenty generous in my opinion.

 

 

[bobs]

The visit rule is ridiculous.  If they really want to speed up the game, call the strike zone where it's defined in the rule book.  MLB won't do that b/c home runs and runs are more interesting.  To limit visits, give the coaching staff two mound visits and then every visit after that you have to change pitchers.  That in itself would cut down several minutes worth of pitching coach visits just to let a bullpen arm warm up.  And then put a limit on catchers' visits to 1 or 2 per inning.  Just eliminate visits from infielders.  Do those things and you cut 15 minutes off a game time.

[gil4]

 

100% confidence, John, 

 

That Hughes will be much closer to the pitcher we knew in 2014 than the past few years.  He's a character guy and I expect he feels an obligation to the Twins to give them something in return for the checks he's been cashing.  

 

No question in my mind that he will be one of our top 3 pitchers, which may make this staff surprisingly good!

And I thought I was irrationally optimistic. In 2014, Hughes was better than he ever had been before and better than he has been since. If he can get back to 75% of that, he could still be useful, but I would still give long odds against even that happening for any extended period of time. 

Edited February 27, 2018 by gil4

[Respy]

This is helpful insight on the mound visits for 2018.  Thanks.

[slash129]

 

The way its always been is not the way it always has to be.    A catcher gets his bell rung and it is natural for the pitcher to be concerned much like it is natural for the manager, the trainer, all the infielders , the catcher's wife and kids and his close friends to be concerned and yet not all of those go and see if the catcher is all right.   The correct answer to Hughes question would be "There is no reason for you to come and check how he is doing."   The guy actually trained to check if the catcher is ok and to do something about it if he is not ok is the guy that should be going to see if he is ok.   If I am not clear, that is the trainer.   The distance from the dugout is not that much different than the mound and I don't think anyone would object if the trainer jogged out there every time the catcher caught one on the noggin.   It may sound a little cold but there is nothing the pitcher can do.   Same thing with the umpire.    You don't need a mound visit to give the umpire a little time to collect himself.    Have the trainer come out and give him the time he needs.    Player and umpire safety and common sense trump length of the game but player/umpire safety and common sense says that medical staff  trump the pitcher and catcher when it comes down to who should monitor it.

 

So if the umpire needs some time to collect himself, the players should stand around with their thumbs up their a$---es?  Making use of the time and conversing on game strategy should be forbidden?

 

You're reference to family members not running out on the field and checking if the player is OK is asinine.  If I was a family member of a player, I would hope one of his teammates would check if he's OK.

 

The rule should be flexible enough to allow for normal human interaction during a possible injury that will hopefully only happen less than once a game or never.

 

If teams are obviously trying to circumvent the rule via hangnails and sand in the eye, they can be dealt with.

[jimmer]

Been saying a long time now: Hughes should pitch out of the pen.

[Dantes929]

 

So if the umpire needs some time to collect himself, the players should stand around with their thumbs up their a$---es?  Making use of the time and conversing on game strategy should be forbidden?

 

You're reference to family members not running out on the field and checking if the player is OK is asinine.  If I was a family member of a player, I would hope one of his teammates would check if he's OK.

 

The rule should be flexible enough to allow for normal human interaction during a possible injury that will hopefully only happen less than once a game or never.

 

If teams are obviously trying to circumvent the rule via hangnails and sand in the eye, they can be dealt with.

For Pete's sake.    Are you saying the pitcher among all who are concerned is the one who should be checking on the injured party rather than someone that is trained to do so and can actually do something about it?   Just because he is a couple feet closer?  That would be the word you referred to.  My point was everyone is likely concerned.   If I was a family member I would hope that someone with medical knowledge would check if he is ok.     As a family member I would take less comfort in the pitcher going and putting his hand on the catcher's shoulder and asking if he is ok or if he needs the trainer than if the trainer just simply went out there directly.

In the past when the umpire is shaken up what happens?   The pitcher and catcher meet on the mound and 7 other players are standing around doing nothing.   What is wrong with the pitcher and catcher standing around as well?   If there is a true value to meeting on the mound to discuss things mid inning then that is one more time one team has to do this over the other.   If there is no value to it then what is the complaint to standing around.   Loneliness?  Boredom?   

 

[Dantes929]

 

Been saying a long time now: Hughes should pitch out of the pen.

Why and in what role?    I admit I have pretty much written him off but if he can get back to 2014 form I would be happy to be wrong.    The suggestion of him being useful if he gets back to 75% of what he was he can be useful  I disagree with.    He needs to get back to pretty much his best.   I have thought maybe the pen was the place for him the last two years but it was more to give him mop up duty and because our worst pen guys were probably no better.   Now if he is not back to his best I am hoping with our additions we have better options in the pen and the rotation.  If he earns his way back to either role I am all for it but in the past guys have been given spots because they have large contracts or because of success they have had pre injury.    Not a big fan of that.

[slash129]

 

For Pete's sake.    Are you saying the pitcher among all who are concerned is the one who should be checking on the injured party rather than someone that is trained to do so and can actually do something about it?   Just because he is a couple feet closer?  That would be the word you referred to.  My point was everyone is likely concerned.   If I was a family member I would hope that someone with medical knowledge would check if he is ok.     As a family member I would take less comfort in the pitcher going and putting his hand on the catcher's shoulder and asking if he is ok or if he needs the trainer than if the trainer just simply went out there directly.

In the past when the umpire is shaken up what happens?   The pitcher and catcher meet on the mound and 7 other players are standing around doing nothing.   What is wrong with the pitcher and catcher standing around as well?   If there is a true value to meeting on the mound to discuss things mid inning then that is one more time one team has to do this over the other.   If there is no value to it then what is the complaint to standing around.   Loneliness?  Boredom?   

 

You obviously haven't played sports that involve people getting injured.  It's quite typical for teammates to be at the side of an injured player.  Most players appreciate the support and concern. 

 

Not sure why you would support making the rule so strict that a teammate can't even offer moral support to an injured player so that your game finishes one minute earlier.

[laloesch]

 

The visit rule is ridiculous.  If they really want to speed up the game, call the strike zone where it's defined in the rule book.  MLB won't do that b/c home runs and runs are more interesting.  To limit visits, give the coaching staff two mound visits and then every visit after that you have to change pitchers.  That in itself would cut down several minutes worth of pitching coach visits just to let a bullpen arm warm up.  And then put a limit on catchers' visits to 1 or 2 per inning.  Just eliminate visits from infielders.  Do those things and you cut 15 minutes off a game time.

 

Cut the tv commercials in half and you shorten the games by 15-20 minutes easy. 

[Dantes929]

 

You obviously haven't played sports that involve people getting injured.  It's quite typical for teammates to be at the side of an injured player.  Most players appreciate the support and concern. 

 

Not sure why you would support making the rule so strict that a teammate can't even offer moral support to an injured player so that your game finishes one minute earlier.

I have played sports my entire life.    When guys take shots to the head or sprain ankles or blow out knees or worse,  you do what you can but it is mostly a helpless feeling  until actual medical people arrive.   When I I've been hurt myself, comfort from friends is maybe somewhat appreciated but no where near as much as when someone gets there that actually knows what they are doing.    In the pros, that guy is right there.  its not unfeeling on my part.   I said in the original post the way things have always been is not the way things always have to be.    Can Hughes do more for the catcher than the umpire can?   If you have a broken bone or a concussion do you really need moral support or do you need a doctor?   You are actually making a bigger deal abut what comfort a pitcher can give which is very little and very unnecessary.  Heck, most of the time the catcher gets his bell rung the pitcher doesn't go all the way to the plate, anyway.      If a player steals a base and jams a thumb or sprains an ankle or in Morneau's case gets a concussion do all his teammates come rushing out or is it the trainer?   It sounds like Hughes didn't go see how Garver was and this was a ST game.  Does that mean Hughes was uncaring?    He just wanted clarification and I am saying the rule as is is very reasonable.   

[jctwins]

 

Cut the tv commercials in half and you shorten the games by 15-20 minutes easy. 

 

This. But in fairness to the teams and their broadcast contracts and advertisers it should be phased in over a number of years. 

 

And drop the ridiculous National TV extra commercial time. Again, though, phased in to preserve the existing contracts.

 

[Shaitan]

 

This. But in fairness to the teams and their broadcast contracts and advertisers it should be phased in over a number of years. 

 

And drop the ridiculous National TV extra commercial time. Again, though, phased in to preserve the existing contracts.

 

They did cut the commercial time this year, actually.

[Shaitan]

In my 1986-era Apple IIe game of Micro League Baseball I'm pretty sure they only allowed 2 visits. 

[Mike Sixel]

This. But in fairness to the teams and their broadcast contracts and advertisers it should be phased in over a number of years.

 

And drop the ridiculous National TV extra commercial time. Again, though, phased in to preserve the existing contracts.

They aren't cutting commercials.

[bobs]

 

Cut the tv commercials in half and you shorten the games by 15-20 minutes easy. 

 I've said all along that they need to use the in-game commercials similar to what FOX does on NFL broadcasts.  You and I could cut game times down by nearly half an hour!!  Geez, it's not that complicated.