Chicago Cubs: Minor League pace-of-play changes loom large

In a never-ending pursuit to radically alter the game, changes are coming to Minor League Baseball, courtesy of the Commissioner’s Office. How soon will they impact the Chicago Cubs?

Earlier this offseason, we heard about a plethora of potential pace-of-play initiatives Major League Baseball considered. Ranging from a runner on second to start extra innings to allowing a manager to choose who hits in said frames, we heard it all. And, at least at the Minor League level, the Chicago Cubs – and the other 29 organizations – will be getting a hefty helping of change in 2018.

Minor League Baseball issued a statement on Wednesday morning, detailing several major changes coming to ballparks this season. These include a 15-second pitch clock, a runner at second to start extra innings and limiting teams to six mound visits in a nine-inning game.

These changes are likely to incite, let’s just call them emotional, reactions from fans. Baseball traditionalists are lining up to kick in Rob Manfred’s door and with tensions between the league and the union at their highest point since the ’94 strike, this could add fuel to the fire in a big way.