The 2023 baseball season marked a departure from tradition with several rule changes, including the pitch clock and shift ban, aimed at speeding up the game and improving the on-field product. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed his admiration for these adjustments as his team reached the quarter-mark of the 162-game season against the Rays.
Boone was particularly vocal about his support for the pitch clock, stating, "I love the [pitch] clock for the game just first and foremost." He was pleasantly surprised by the smooth transition players experienced and believed it benefited the sport as a whole.
Although some players are still adjusting, game duration has seen a significant reduction. The average game time has dropped from three hours and two minutes in 2022 to two hours and 38 minutes this season.
The shift ban has proved a refreshing change, especially for left-handed batters like Anthony Rizzo. The 33-year-old's performance has thrived with a more open right side. Boone has praised the impact of this new rule, asserting that it adds variety to the game.
But Boone does harbor some reservations. While most of the rule changes have been successful in achieving their intended goals, Boone remains skeptical about the necessity for enlarged bases. The new base size, combined with the limit on pick-off attempts, has encouraged athleticism and base stealing, but Boone wonders if the enlarged bases are truly essential.
In other Yankees news, outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is slated to continue playing in the outfield following his recovery from a hamstring injury. Boone insists that this position is preferable for Stanton, citing his strong performance and solid stats.
