San Francisco Giants infielder Brandon Crawford used to have casual conversations with catchers and umpires at home plate, but the pitch clock has put an end to that. The penalty for idle chatter could be a called strike on the hitter. Players are starting to realize that silence is golden, and the lack of talk on the bases may actually fuel more rivalries, according to Dodgers infielder Max Muncy. While some players enjoy holding conversations while holding on runners, others, such as Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron, are not much of a converser over there.
Last week, Padres slugger Manny Machado became the first player ejected in an argument that followed a pitch clock violation. The pitch clock has made baseball quicker, but it's quieter now, too. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts can't even imagine the strikes he might have had called on him if he was playing under these rules. Batters can't step out as much to re-fasten their batting gloves over and over, according to Dodgers pitcher Dustin May.
Washington Nationals player Dominic Smith means no offense by the silent treatment at first base. "I'm trying to just kick people's butt, I guess, so I don't talk as much as I used to," Smith said. Giants outfielder Joc Pederson said, "It's all business." Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe received friendly advice from longtime umpire Joe West to greet each ump by their first name and make a little small talk, but it's now hard to follow that guidance.
The players have to figure out a different time to get their conversations in, whether it's pregame or going to dinner or breakfast, according to Crawford. The lack of talk on the bases may actually fuel more rivalries, according to Dodgers infielder Max Muncy. Giants manager Gabe Kapler said, "I don't love seeing players talking to the first baseman and umpires." The times have changed, and there's no more conversations after that, Crawford said.