The geniuses over at MLB thought one way to fix the pace of play issue in baseball was to start limiting mound visits to six times per game. That new rule will be implemented this season and it was universally trashed when it was announced. Well, after listening to this Jon Lester story about David Ross, it once again reminds me how stupid the rule is.
I don’t actually know how many times a catcher averages going to the mound per game, but that doesn’t matter. It’s about the principle. Catchers don’t just go out and waste time on the mound. There’s a reason for it every time. There could be a crucial moment late in a game and if a catcher notices something different he has to go out there and communicate it with the pitcher.
Or maybe you’re David Ross and you’re making cheesy jokes in a big situation.
I had to ask for a @d_ross3 story. Thanks @JLester34 !
-Moose pic.twitter.com/TZABzRnoD7— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) March 27, 2018
Even that, as silly as it was, it served its purpose. Sometimes you just need to alleviate the pressure in a tense moment.
Wonder if Ross ever tried that with John Lackey?