Red Sox starter Josh Winckowski comments on the implementation of the pitch clock for the 2023 season
Winckowski went on the SoxSpects - Red Sox Podcast and gave his thoughts on the upcoming changes, including the pitch clock
Red Sox right-hander Josh Winckowski made his major league debut this past season. He pitched in 15 games, starting 14 of them, providing depth when the rotation was rocked with injuries.
After an up and down year, Winckowski is focused on putting his first season behind him and focusing on 2023.
The new season will see the implementation of new rules across the game. Fans will see a new pitch timer, larger bases and limits on offensive shifts.
The 24-year-old was candid and open on his opinion of the new rules coming next season when he appeared on the SoxSpects - Red Sox Podcast.
“I think it’s going to be exciting for the viewers and fans. I don’t… I think some of the stuff are positive, I have no issues with the bigger bases. The shift thing I am impartial about. You know, I think with the shift it’s kind of difference of opinion. I think some people enjoy the shift, I think some people don’t, so I am impartial about that.”
When it came to the topic of the pitch clock, Winckowski was very opinionated on whether it will work at the big league level.
“The pitch clock I think is going to be an issue,” said the right-handed hurler.
“I just don’t see how you’re going to try and speed up Aaron Judge. Your going to try tell Aaron Judge on a 3-2 count to get into the box quicker or even ball or strike him on a 3-2 count? It’s not what the fans are going to want and see.”
Winckowksi feels that the bigger impact will be felt on the hitters than the pitchers.
“I’ve said before, when you get to the big leagues the game speeds up on you. It almost honestly, big league hitters take an extremely long time to get into the [batters] box,” added Winckowski.
He would recall a time against the Orioles from this past season to illustrate how big league hitters may struggle with the pitch clock.
“I remember the Orioles lineup the couple of times I faced them. There was times I would do a courtesy cleat clean at the back of the mound to buy five or six seconds. I would still get back to the mound and the guy doing whatever, doing his thing, which he has all the right to do.
“All that stuff is not going to work with the clock. I think it’s, like I said from the pitchers side, its like 3-2 you want to make a pitch and guys, some guys have breathing routines, like I said little walks around the mound routine. All those things will be impossible with the clock.”
Winckowski went on to add what his biggest complaint will be with the clock.
“My biggest complaint with the clock is.. (he would pause and collect his thoughts), when guys are on base and the pitcher comes to set, the clock has to stop. If I come to set at three seconds and then I have three seconds to throw the ball you’re going to see stolen bases through the roof.”
Winckowksi thinks players will adapt to the new pitch clock and they will have to with the new rule coming into play for next season.
“The game will definitely speed up,” said Winckowski. “I think unfortunately, MLB will not directly say it, all these rules will lead to more offense.
“From a pitchers stand point, like I said MLB will explicitly will say it. All these rules are trying to bump up the offense in the game. If thats what they want, I think it will do it.”
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