🚑 Pitch clock blamed for injures

Phillies city connect jersey reveal, Twins reduce payroll, and more!

Grand Slam Newsletter
April 10, 2024

Today we cover:

🚑 MLBPA blames pitch clock for pitcher injuries
💡Phillies city connect jersey revealed
💵Minnesota Twins payroll
And More!

Pitch clock blamed for injuries by MLBPA

MLB Players Association head Tony Clark blamed the recently implemented pitch clock as the key driver for the increasing number of pitcher injuries. The pitch clock was implemented for the 2023 season with 20 second being given for runners on base. However, in December of 2023, just before the current 2024 season, the competition committee approved a change to reduce that time to 18 seconds with runners on base. The timer with the bases empty remained at 15 seconds.

Amid the rash of injuries so far this season, the MLBPA suspects the shortening of the clock is to blame. The MLB countered that argument by essentially saying the pitchers are throwing too hard. Many believe it is a combination of both factors.

Phillies reveal city connect jersey

The long-awaited Phillies City Connect jersey was officially unveiled on Friday. Over a hundred fans lined up outside of the New Era team store at Citizens Bank Park to be among the first to grab one of the new jerseys, so some Phillies fans love the new, unique look. But others are still wary after the full release. Fans can buy the jerseys exclusively at the New Era Phillies Team Store at Citizens Bank Park from April 5 to April 12. The jerseys are light blue, dark blue, and yellow, in honor of the Philadelphia city flag. “PHILLY” adorns the front of the jersey, and the cap features the Liberty Bell and the city skyline. The reveal is the first in a line of nine Major League Baseball teams that will have a new City Connect uniform this season.

Twins reduce payroll

The Minnesota Twins are cutting payroll after a record-breaking $156 million in 2023. This comes despite having expensive players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton on the roster. The lack of a TV deal and upcoming free agents like Kepler and Polanco are contributing factors. Despite the cutbacks, the Twins still have a strong core that won the AL Central in 2023. They'll look to develop young talent to fill any holes left by departing veterans.

Josiah Gray is latest injured pitcher

Josiah Gray, a rising star with the Washington Nationals, is the latest to succumb, joining a growing list that includes established aces like Gerrit Cole and Shane Bieber. The reasons behind this epidemic remain murky. Some point to the ever-increasing velocity that pitchers throw, putting immense stress on their arms. Others point to the growing focus on spin rate, which may lead pitchers to alter their grips in potentially harmful ways.

MLB orgs hateful of A’s ballpark handling

A's fans have voiced their discontent with ownership for over a decade, pointing to low spending and a lack of commitment to fielding a winning team. These concerns are now echoing within Major League Baseball itself as the A's prepare to relocate to Las Vegas.

The crux of the issue lies in ownership's approach. The A's have consistently ranked among the lowest spenders in MLB, rarely exceeding a $100 million payroll and letting go of talented players. This strategy, coupled with the team's underwhelming performance – they haven't had a season with over 100 wins since 2006 – has alienated their fanbase.

The move to Las Vegas further complicates things. While a new market presents opportunities, it also demands a strong first impression. However, the A's plan to initially play in a minor league facility casts doubt on their ability to compete right away. This lack of competitiveness, some fear, could turn off Vegas fans accustomed to the Golden Knights' success and lead to dwindling attendance. Ultimately, the A's struggles could damage MLB's reputation in this new market.

The situation raises questions about MLB's role. Perhaps fans' calls for the league to block the relocation or maintain the relocation fee held merit. Now, with the move seemingly a done deal, MLB may face the consequences of a potentially tarnished brand in Las Vegas due to ownership's approach.