David Wells, a retired World Series champion pitcher, criticized MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, calling him the “worst commissioner in the game” on OutKick’s “The Ricky Cobb Show.” Wells accused Manfred of trying to change the game too much, specifically focusing on pitch counts. Wells noted that pitchers no longer do the things they used to do, such as playing long toss and figuring out their opponents. Instead, pitchers are now too focused on pitching to specific zones and utilizing analytics. He expressed his belief that pitchers should focus on pitching to their strengths rather than conforming to modern analytics.
Wells highlighted the importance of mindset, execution, and hitting your spots in pitching, emphasizing the need to know your opponents and pitch based on your strengths. He criticized the current trend of pitching to specific zones against certain hitters, stating that pitchers in his era focused on pitching to their strengths and it worked for them. He expressed his disapproval of the changes being made in baseball with the rise of analytics, questioning the need to alter a game that has remained consistent for over 150 years. Wells did not specify the exact changes he disagreed with but criticized the overall direction the game is heading in with regards to analytics.
Manfred, who has been MLB’s commissioner since 2015, has been at the forefront of several changes in baseball, including the implementation of a pitch clock to speed up the game and cracking down on pitchers using sticky substances to enhance spin rate. Despite objections to the pitch clock rule, Manfred defended its usage, stating that the management of the clock and violations, particularly late in high-leverage situations, has been satisfactory. The changes introduced by Manfred have sparked debate among players and fans, with some supporting the commissioner’s efforts to modernize the game and others, like Wells, expressing concerns about the direction of baseball.
The discussion between Wells and Cobb on “The Ricky Cobb Show” shed light on the evolving nature of pitching in baseball and the impact of analytics on the game. Wells’ criticism of Manfred and the emphasis on pitch counts and analytics reflects a broader debate within the baseball community about how best to approach the game. The contrasting viewpoints on traditional pitching strategies versus modern analytics highlight the ongoing tension between tradition and innovation in baseball. As the sport continues to evolve, the role of commissioners like Manfred in shaping its future remains a topic of interest and discussion among players, fans, and analysts.
The history of the game, as Wells pointed out, has been consistent for over 150 years, with pitchers like Bob Gibson throwing 300-400 innings a year without experiencing arm problems. Wells emphasized the importance of offseason training, workouts, and pitching to strengths, suggesting that modern pitchers could benefit from a return to these traditional practices. Despite the advancements in analytics and technology, Wells’ comments remind us of the value of traditional pitching techniques and the need to strike a balance between innovation and the rich history of baseball. The conversation surrounding Manfred’s leadership and the changes being implemented in baseball will continue to be a focal point as the sport navigates the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.
