David Ortiz not a fan of new pace-of-play rules
David Ortiz is not happy with the new rules changes intended to speed up play for the 2015 season.
David Ortiz on having to keep one foot in the batter's box: "I call that bullshit."
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2015
The reaction is predictable from the Boston Red Sox veteran, who is known for taking his time getting in and out of the batter's box. Ortiz, who is entering his 19th MLB season, elaborated on the comment by stating he uses the time after each pitch to predict the next one.
Ortiz's former teammate, Will Middlebrooks, speculated Big Papi would struggle to adjust to the new rules, as would other veteran players such as Troy Tulowitzki that are set in their routines. Ortiz joked he may run out of money if he can't break his habit.
Players will have spring training and the first month of the season to adjust to the new rules before being fined. Ortiz better be careful, though, as financial repercussions aren't the only penalty MLB can hand out.
According to sources, a player can be suspended for just cause on his sixth offense if he displays “willful disregard” of the rule…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 25, 2015
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