Cowboy Joe Rips Yankees/Red Sox

[cviverito]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

It got ugly -- both announcers were ripping West and saying how out of line he was and maybe the games would be quicker if they called more strikes.

This is the best comment I've seen on the subject so far. I think the K-zone tracker is one of the main reasons why games take so long. I've heard Pete Rose interviewed and saying "umpires are afraid to call strikes". I think he's wrong but close - umpires are cautious about calling strikes because every pitch is scrutinized first by technology, and then by announcers, few of whom have walked so much as 10 feet in plate shoes. The strike zone has been tightened up by the impact of that technology.

When watching classic games on the MLB network I am reminded of how wide the strike zone used to be. Something like 23 inches or more. Most games back then did not last three hours. I'm not saying it's the answer to the problem - just that it significantly contributes to the problem.

Last year in a semi-pro game with top-notch pitching I told the catchers from both teams that we are calling a 1981 strike zone tonight. The result? 9 innings. 1hr 40 min. Only heard one complaint from one batter - interestingly it was on a pitch right over the heart of the plate where he got fooled.

Sorry guys - I have no opinion on the NBA or when traveling should be called.