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MLB to test pace of game initiatives in Arizona Fall League

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball is expediting its efforts to speed up the game.

Commissioner Bud Selig announced the pace of game committee is implementing a series of initiatives to be tested in the Arizona Fall League, which begins Oct. 7.

There are six main areas, each including several exceptions, the committee is focusing on to keep games moving quickly. Here's a quick look at the major initiatives:

Batter's box rule

The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout his at-bat, unless one of a series of established exceptions occurs, in which case the batter may leave the batter's box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate. 

No-pitch intentional walks

In the event a team decides to intentionally walk a batter, no pitches shall be thrown.

20-second rule

... requires the pitcher to deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball with the bases unoccupied. The penalty prescribed by Rule 8.04 for a pitcher's violation of the Rule is that the umpire shall call "Ball." 

2:05 inning-break clock

There shall be a maximum 2:05 break between innings. Hitters must enter the batter's box by the 1:45 mark. When batters violate this rule, the Umpire may call an automatic strike. When batters are set by the appropriate time and pitchers fail to throw a pitch before the conclusion of the 2:05 period, the Umpire shall call a ball. 

2:30 pitching change break clock

There shall be a maximum 2:30 break for pitching changes, including pitching changes that occur during an inning break. The first pitch must be thrown before the conclusion of the 2:30 period or the umpire shall call a ball.

Three "time out" limit

Each team shall be permitted only three "Time Out" conferences per game (including extra innings). Such conferences shall include player conferences with the pitcher (including the catcher), manager or coach conferences with the pitcher, and coach conferences with a batter. 

In a statement released by the league, Selig said the committee will work with players, umpires and other contributors to determine which recommendations would be best served at the major-league level.

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