Atlantic League Seems Poised to Introduce Some Speed-Up Measures as Early as Next Week

The Atlantic League has already enjoyed a big week because of Julio DePaula’s record-breaking ascension from the York (PA) Revolution to the Baltimore Orioles bullpen although after getting a sneak peak at some of its possible pace-of-play recommendations the 17-year-old circuit seems to be on the brink of stirring up considerable debate, possibly stretching throughout the baseball world.

For those who believe all publicity is positive, the slightest rules change will reap a bonanza of ink because we know for certain that baseball, through the media and passionate fans, is very cautious when it comes to changes to this most analyzed of all major sports.

The seven-member Pace of Play Committee, only revealed two weeks ago and loaded with about 300 years of combined major league experience, has held two conference calls to discuss its ideas and those of fans, Chairman Tal Smith told the ‘Insider’ this week.  Recommendations will reach President Rick White in time to be discussed by the executive committee, made up mostly of team owners, when it meets during All-Star Game festivities in Sugar Land, TX early next week.

“Some things will be recommended for immediate use” while others most likely will need offseason study, said Smith, an energetic 80-year-old who is a league consultant after a respected major league career which has included serving as president of the Houston Astros, heading up baseball operations for the New York Yankees and advising major league teams on building arbitration cases.

I came away from our discuss comfortable that at least six speed-up possibilities that have been discussed will be in the committee’s report to White, himself a former major league executive.  The proposals will include, although not necessarily in order, the following:

1.  A possible limit of the number of interruptions of play in a given inning.  This could involve catcher or infielder visits to the mound as well as those of  a pitching coach.

2.  Reducing the number of pitches (currently eight) allowed for a pitcher prior to every inning.

3.  Eliminating pitches on an intentional walk.

4.  Requiring a relief pitcher to face more than one batter.  (Would not be implemented in ’14.)

5.  Increasing the education of both players and staffs on avoiding action that slows the pace.

6.  Allowing a pinch runner for catchers so they can prepare for the next inning.

Title, New Major Leaguer Only Part of the Joy in York

It is difficult to imagine any Independent team could have more reasons for a blowout celebration than the York Revolution have experienced in less than a week by clinching a division title and Atlantic League playoff  berth, selling relief pitcher Julio DePaula to Baltimore and having him elevated to the parent Orioles 11 days later (even though he did not get to play), seeing attendance climb by 13 per cent this season and reach a total of 2,000,000 faster than anticipated in their eighth season and leading all teams with four players selected to play in next week’s All-Star Game.

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Four Eastern Leaguers Add Glitter to Busy All-Star Week

Defending American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (Fort Worth, TX, American Association) and Atlantic League-rejuvenated southpaw starter Scott Kazmir (Sugar Land, TX) will draw the greatest attention for Independent Baseball in the four attractive All-Star Games scheduled next Tuesday and Wednesday (July 15-16) for the basic reason they will be playing for the American League.  But four hurlers identified in this space last week will be in the Triple-A classic and four other players have been selected for the Eastern League tilt at Altoona, PA.

Cody Satterwhite should attract looks from scouts since the right-hander, who put together a 0.65 earned run average as a reliever in the American Association (Sioux City, IA) only last season, is at it again with the New York Mets’ club in Binghamton, NY, with a 1.60 ERA (3-1, six saves) and 42 strikeouts while allowing only 25 hits in 39.1 innings.  He will be joined on the Eastern Division team by teammate Jon Velasquez (Camden, NJ, Atlantic, and Rockland County, Can-Am League), infielder Brian Burgamy (York, PA, Somerset and Camden, all Atlantic League, and St. Paul, MN, American Association) and outfielder Reynaldo Rodriguez (Yuma, AZ, Golden League).  Burgamy also plays for Binghamton while Rodriguez is in the Minnesota farm system at New Britain, CT.

Young Lefty Dazzles With No-Hitter, Strikeouts

Chad James of Evansville, IN may have those who selected the Frontier League All-Stars scratching their heads today after the 23-year-old no-hit Traverse City, MI, 10-0, in the seven-inning opener of a doubleheader Wednesday night.  The 6-foot-4 southpaw, the No. 1 draft choice of the Miami Marlins (18th overall) in ’09, struck out 14, and now has fanned 58 while allowing only 14 hits in his last 33.1 innings.  The Yukon, OK native is 4-2 and his ERA has dropped from 6.92 to 5.05 in his last six starts.

(This is an excerpt from the column Bob Wirz writes on Independent Baseball.  Thirty-six columns are planned during 2014.  Fans may subscribe at newly-reduced rates at www.WirzandAssociates.com, enjoy added stories on the blog www.IndyBaseballChatter.com, or comment to RWirz@aol.com.  The authorhas 16 years of major league baseball public relations experience with Kansas City and as spokesman for two Commissioners and lives in Stratford, CT.)