Joe Maddon on Innings Limits, Robo Umps, State of Baseball | Foul Territory

Former MLB Manager Joe Maddon joins us to talk about his thoughts on innings limits, automated strike zones, and how to achieve success in the postseason.
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00:00 Intro
00:35 Innings limits
08:04 Automated strike zones
13:42 Javy Báez and Kris Bryant struggling
15:09 Advice for Craig Counsell and Ron Washington
18:19 State of baseball development
24:44 Manscaped

[@waynewells3297]

Love listening to Joe talk baseball. Low key, wealth of experience, great baseball mind.

[@mikemusolino6189]

He was our roving instructor when I was with the Angels. Nobody better, he is exactly how you see him, he is the best

[@ronpeacock9939]

I like Joe Maddon.. So right on many things. No wonder he's had so much success.

[@gingergeezer3685]

And owners don't like him because he's not a puppet.

[@joethaler7921]

Joe Madden is a genius. His take on the game becoming all about “me” and the hell with the team is smack on target. He laments the demise of town teams, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, and the Pony Leagues, which again, is spot on. Madden has been the catalyst for the success of every team he has managed. That is gravitas. The game needs many more people like MR Madden to draw it away from the total bullshit of analytics.

[@KISS1975]

ANAL-LYTICS

[@JBTurkey]

God, I love some Joe Maddon! The game is and never will be the same without him standing in that dugout. ⚾️ ❤️

[@jasonlassiter9229]

John Smoltz made a good point when he was interviewed recently. If pitchers keep trying to throw harder, and putting more stress on their wrists, elbows, and shoulders, then it doesn't matter how many pitches these guys pitch. They will still run the risk of getting injured. Pitchers need to pitch smarter, not harder. They are putting way too much stress on their arms by continuing to increase their velocity.

[@drizzle452]

I suppose…but his generation was such a benefactor of ridiculous strike zones. It would be really interesting to see how those Braves pitchers would do if they had to actually throw the ball in the strike zone to modern hitters

[@larrydanadavid2435]

Heard that Smoltz interview and I agree completely. Everything about the reward system is all about the individual.

[@KISS1975]

​@@drizzle452lmao ok sure

[@yosefyahu4778]

The picth clock also shortens the amount of rest between pitches! This also significantly increase the chances of injury!

[@ron88303]

@@drizzle452 Not ridiculous. Only change since 1988 was in 1996, when zone bottom was lowered from top to bottom of kneecap. Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavine all pitched at least ten years under current zone.

[@stephenskinner4857]

Great MAN and baseball mind/spirit. Close to his spirit as he brought the Cubs to a winner that season of triumph. In an ideal world; leading the Angels with Trevor Bauer on the TEAM as a World Series winner for Maddon AGAIN.

[@davegallagher5121]

Maddon is a great baseball mind. From a fan of the greatest game

[@hiramnoone]

Maddon should still be managing.

[@grantpurdy5042]

Joe is so articulate. I could listen to him all day long.

[@scott2690]

Great baseball guy, really enjoyed listening to this conversation

[@everetttauscher8377]

Miss you Joe!😊

[@Dee_Rod]

I miss you too Everett. ❤😅

[@everetttauscher8377]

@@Dee_Rod 🤣

[@grace1975kauf]

Love Joe Maddon and his book is great!! His critique of the game is spot on, unfortunately baseball doesn't want guys like Joe, thinkers. It used to want this but now, not so much

[@orbyfan]

I soitanly like the Three Stooges statues in the background.

[@timw8646]

the angels should have NEVER fired maddon.

[@Workingcockers]

I thought so at the time, however, I think Ron Washington is a better coach, so I’m glad the Angels made that move. Even though the Angels are having a bad season they’re more fun to watch now and I think the Angels will improve next year with what Washington is doing this year.

[@upandin]

def deserves to still be managing

[@patrickmoreau7592]

Very good video guys

[@edhorton2766]

Joe totally gets what being a good teammate is all about. The showcase ME concept is not what sports was ever meant to be. I agree with Joe on the over emphasis of analytics. They were designed to be useful tools not the be all and end all. You are still dealing with people who get the job done with their own talents. I disagree on Robo balls and strikes. Umps generally are weak on the outside and the bottom of the zone. And you have catchers who are very good at tricking the eye. It's too hard. Give the Robos a try. If it doesn't work, change it.

[@ousamaabdu794]

Advanced Analytics was one of the reasons why Tampa Bay has had one of the highest winning percentage over the last 16 years with always a bottom 4 ( and many years the lowest ) payroll..

[@bradleys4783]

Agree with your comment regarding "analytics". Along with the sports betting that has become widespread my interest has been significantly diminished. I respectfully disagree regarding the notion of "robo" umps. The idea contradics the complaints regarding the over analytics discussion and would take away one more aspect of the human element. If it were to happen it would be the final nail for me.

[@edhorton2766]

@@bradleys4783 Do you agree with the replay system of reviewable plays currently in use that corrects blatant mistakes?

[@bradleys4783]

@@edhorton2766 50-50

[@user-td4zp4gq2p]

Teach everyone the knuckleball. The guys who can should use it to save their arms.

[@ZZSmithReal]

Great interview.

[@BigLar56321]

Agree with Joe on most things but I’m really tired of bad calls by home plate umpires. It’s ridiculous that everyone watching knows the correct call but the guy making it doesn’t have the same technology. That needs to change, and soon.

[@user-yx9bs8zo5q]

Cause we all know players can't make adjustments anymore. They all k 170 times a year

[@bradleys4783]

Love Joe. Hate the backward wearing hats.

[@chuckinhouston9952]

Followers and losers wear baseball caps on backwards; Leaders and winners do not.

[@kge420]

Especially indoors. I’m old btw

[@zactressel8959]

Can't believe I'm agreeing with Joe Maddon but he made a lot of great points

[@waynewells3297]

If Angel Hernandez had an earbud that said “that was 18 inches off the plate” he would make a mental note to always call that one a strike.

[@peterschreiner9245]

Best line: They're getting injured anyway. Pitch count rules in high school is ridiculous. Watched a kid get pulled with 2 down in the 7th because he hit his "pitch count". Small school with no ready reliever-game nearly was lost.

[@ADHDriver]

Kratz, I’m digging the beard my dude!!

[@upandin]

same here!

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@user-td4zp4gq2p]

I don't know what channel the games are on then im looking around and can't find it then hear its on the computer , so i just gave up! You tube high lights!😮

[@paulwetter3262]

I've watched several minor league games using the robo-ump and the pace of the game is quicker with a lot less arguing. The pre-game announcement that the robo-ump is being used and be considerate of the actual home plate umpire is amusing.

[@johantrenier1685]

Joe please call the White Sox up. Please.🙏

[@HawklordLI]

Hall of Famer Robin Roberts started 609 games in his career and 305 were complete games. At one time he pitched 28 consecutive complete games.Today's pitchers are a bunch of prima-donna candy asses.

[@johngoldsworthy7135]

They also weren’t throwing 96+

[@HawklordLI]

@@johngoldsworthy7135 Who is 'They'?

[@mikekeeler6362]

That's because they learned how to pitch you don't have to throw 96 miles an hour all the time that's why pictures arms are shot deepthroat 40 pictures in an inning because they can't hit the strike zone ​@@johngoldsworthy7135

[@ron88303]

@@johngoldsworthy7135 You don't need to throw 96+ if you know how to change speeds and hit your targets. Good pitchers can do that. For all the talk about Nolan Ryan's fastball, he had a nasty, nasty curve that would freeze batters.

[@SuperMCFIVE]

Never been a bigger jump from minors to majors

[@gaiusvindex959]

I’m no longer a baseball fan. I changed to only NL in the early 70s. The DH ruined baseball. Took away double switches, pitching around the #8 hitter, and the joy of a pitcher getting a hit. Who can forget Orosco’s WS hit in ‘86? Now there’s a clock!! Wtf, there are no clocks in baseball! Putting a runner on second base! WTF…I’m done

[@aboxofbroken8tracks983]

I could've written the same post. Cubs winning the World Series signaled my "retirement" from baseball, and not a moment too soon.

[@kconnell75]

Pards! Please come back to MLB.

[@chrisweidner4768]

Pitchers need to learn how to pitch. How to be deceptive. Think Greg Maddox. As for the strike zone, Nonproblem with the ump calling balls and strikes. However, they should be backed up by tech, and teams should have 3 challenges a game.

[@baosommurr4566]

If Maddox is pitching rn, he'll have an era of 9. Not surprising most top pitcher today all throw gas... A 92mph fastball in today game just wouldn't work. Hitter bat speed is in whole another lvl where if you ain't touching 96 or with movement, that ball is getting torch. Is a risk and reward for the player and for the team. Look at the Ray's, is not a coincidence why they lose half the starters to TJ each season

[@danr154]

I dont think hed have an era of 9 but I do believe he would be worse because he couldnt manipulate umpires or the strike zone the way he used to. Of course a 92 mph sinker is more effective 3 or 4 inches off the plate.

[@drizzle452]

He would have had a really hard time having to throw the ball in the strike zone

[@ron88303]

@@drizzle452 A good pitcher can change speeds and control pitch movement, all while hitting his target. Maddux could do that. The strike zone is irrelevant; a good pitcher will adjust his targets to fit whatever the strike zone is. Maddux could do that.

[@fliprodriguez5250]

Nolan Ryan has entered the chat

[@jsa790]

i don’t understand why some people are opposed to reducing human error in the strikezone. personally i would watch more baseball if there was a truly fair strikezone.

[@F1Fanatic76]

Same. I want the correct and true strike zone for both sides.

[@kend1964]

Adds drama to the game, and effects every team. It's great to have that spice of natters, managers confronting umpires. Why not reduce batter error with robot batters? Video game automation..

[@paulwangler]

​@kend1964 That was an inaccurate comparison. Robot umps is a matter of consistently getting truth (an actual ball or strike) vs. falsehood (incorrect judgment of the strike zone)

[@Lawrence_619]

WINNING is more important than 'drama'....who tha' fuck wants some buffoon behind the plate who is just trying to secure a damn pension, fucking up their shot at winning a pennant, because the ump goofed and blew it off as "oh, I just had a bad day"?

[@andrewyarosh1809]

@@Lawrence_619Or in the case of retired ump Angel Hernandez, “I was always right.”

[@mikekeeler6362]

I remember the day when they only had four starters

[@McShibby10]

Baseball is terrible right now but the NBA and NFL also are on the decline as well. 20th century sports was the peak it’s been a rough last 20 years with the changes to our major sports

[@gingergeezer3685]

There is no joy in baseball. It's micro-managed and humorless. Nothing organic about it anymore.

[@NWAWskeptic]

So true. Over reliance on analytics is destroying all sports. No heart and no rising up to the moment for an underdog player. Just algorithms and risk avoidance. Boring.

[@conbitches]

The difference is that the NFL and NBA keep growing financially. Their fan bases are growing internationally while baseball does everything it can to NOT innovate. The fact that a London game is a new concept for the MLB shows how far behind they are.

[@seansley]

What about umps hear a tone/beep for each of balls and strikes as they occur? Challenge is far from perfect, will slow the game, and still miss many important calls... so what's the point?

[@HeltonM7]

Scott: your pompadour is too big.

[@riverview9320]

what the heck - only takes a sec to put on a cap.

[@henryapfelbach1845]

I ABS is not slow. It just augments the humans on the field

[@christiandoll4435]

Baseball is watered-down. Too many teams and not enough great talent.

[@gturcott1]

it is turning into aau basketball

[@bartstarr100]

I found that the state of baseball depends entirely on whether my team wins.

[@seansley]

Giants are good about bringing Bay Area players to SF

[@DriveForShow]

MLB needs to take advantage of technology with calling balls/strikes. With more movement and speed on pitches umpires can’t keep up. I’ve seen too many blown calls change outcomes of games. At a minimum there should be challenges.

[@TempeLane11552]

Innings limits are a sham. Max effort velo and spin are what cause injury.

[@jnjtiger]

Why would anyone listen to him? Almost managed Cubs out of 2016 World Series and then failed to repeat with incredible core. Media loves because he’s good “copy”. Failed when could have been a Chicago legend.

[@patricklord2575]

Owners gotta compensate players for “team play” and you will see the game you want.

[@pancakejonzze]

I agree with Joe that MLB should keep baseball a human game. If you actually watch baseball you will see that these nit-picky challenges interrupt the pace of the game. Robot umps are the next worst case scenario. Also who says that robots will be fair? Ever heard of voting machines?

[@danr154]

ehh you're being a tad dramatic. The minor leage abs challenge system is way further along than you think. Ever watch a tennis match? Ever seen them challenge whether a serve hits the line? It is literally that system. Its fast and gets the crowd involved and no one sots there and shames the ump. Everyone gets it that it was hard to see. Its really a nice system and works perfectly for balls and strikes. Player taps the top of their head, they immediately put the path of the ball across the zone on the big screen so everyone can see. The call is supported or reversed. The count is changed. It literally takes seconds.

[@pancakejonzze]

@@danr154 haha dude you proved my point you don’t watch baseball you watch tennis

[@lynnkurumaji2478]

I can't criticize free agency, because players should make as much as they can. But at the same free agency has destroyed that loyalty between players and fans today. There aren't anymore Tony Gwens' in sports anymore. I think looking out for out one self has some merit, but I feel the fans are still losing out.

[@larryjoe1357]

Genie is out of the bottle, now even have free agency in College. Like Joe was saying no one plays for the team anymore, way too much money envolved.

[@josephm.lacava694]

Why is he not the yankees manager !!

[@sidemann8593]

Borrowing a leaf from Mitch Hedberg's book: I used to love baseball. I still do, but I used to, too.

[@bigles9083]

Not sure what happened with Angels they just quit on him middle of season. Horrible upper management Artie Moreno and his President really suck maybe they had a hand in it.

[@maxsmart8954]

Pitch limits and innings is destroying young arms.

[@flyingjeff1956]

When Bud gets fired, MLB gets better-not before. Where’s Bauer? Too many strikeouts?

[@1962LIBBY]

Find Joe very interesting. The grown men indoors with backward baseball caps. Not so much.

[@danr154]

please God come back to the Cubs its so obvious Counsell is a plant and was propped up the whole time hes terrible.

[@marksauce2383]

Balls and strikes, do whatever the heck you want, just get rid of the da** square outline on thr tv screen. Pointless, as it means nothing.

[@larryjoe1357]

It means something, it tells you how horrible some of these umps are.

[@NWAWskeptic]

Analytics poisoned the game.

[@johnradice4235]

Baseball is a joke same with all pro sports players and owners alike and woke sponsers