About the SEC speedup rules

News of the Southeastern Conference's efforts to speed play in its baseball tournament has begun trickling out over the last couple of days.

The 20-second pitch clock when no one is on base, an earlier start to sessions, shorter breaks between half-innings and shorter turnaround times between games all sound appealing.

I don't know who initiated the idea of trying to speed up games, but University of South Carolina coach Ray Tanner made it clear the league's coaches are in favor.

“Our SEC baseball coaches were unanimous in supporting this legislation,'' Tanner said in a statement released by the school on Friday. ``I personally think it will give (save) us 15-20 minutes minimum per game without affecting the integrity of the game.”

I wonder how the TV networks will respond to the speedup rules. Sure, a network would love to be able to show a game in a neat three-hour time block that doesn't interfere carry over into its other programming.

Years ago, it was no problem. I think I know why it's become one: I have no hard evidence, but it seems like the break between half innings is longer than in the past because networks began squeezing another commercial or two into the slot. Some commercial spots between innings would have to go for the SEC's speedup plan to work.

Then, there are the time-burning in-park promotions between innings, too -- dizzy bat races, T-shirt cannons, etc. Who determined people don't have the attention span to sit through a baseball game without gimmicks? Make sure the fans enjoy their experience, but not at the cost of having players stand around waiting for the field to be cleared.

I also get the sense that pitchers in this day work slower than their predecessors. Every pitch doesn't have to be perfect. Go with your best and dare the batter to hit it.

Don't get me wrong. I love the leisurely pace of most baseball games. There's no need for batters to run from the on-deck circle to the batter's box. Let them mosey up there.

I don't mind a game running long if there are not huge lulls for countless strategy sessions. Aren't scenarios covered in practice or pre-game meetings? If not, why not? It used to be that signals were given so that conferences weren't necessary.

I'd like to see the limit on the number of conferences a coach can call be so small -- perhaps one or two a game with only one being able to be carried into extra innings -- that he only does it in the most extreme of situations.

P.S.
Gosh, writing about this has me wishing that the season began today. For NCAA Division I schools, today is two months from opening day. Schools in other divisions start Feb. 1.

It can't get here soon enough.