Post Gazette · Apr 29, 2018
Gene Collier: Pitching velocity is slowing MLB to a crawl
The Major League Baseball season completes its first month this weekend, and amid the game’s typical out-of-the-gate struggles for footing, pace, equilibrium and, in some cases, mere competence (looking at you Cincinnati), no one likely drew more discussion for doing less than Brandon Belt.
The redoubtable San Francisco Giants’ first baseman has had a great start offensively, but in making a routine out last Sunday he triggered a wave of appreciation for hacking his way through a 21-pitch at-bat that took nearly 13 minutes, then lining out.
Whether I’m managing the Giants or sitting in a box seat, I’d have preferred a bloop single on the first pitch, but oh how wrong I can be.
As ever.