World Series champion David Wells criticizes MLB Commissioner for changing the game too much and relying too heavily on analytics.
Retired World Series champion pitcher David Wells took a swipe at MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Wednesday, calling him the "worst commissioner in the game" and accusing him of trying to change the game too much.
Wells' critical remarks came during an appearance on OutKick's "The Ricky Cobb Show," where he discussed pitchers' habits in the modern era.
Former MLB Ace David Wells Slams Commissioner Rob Manfred as "Worst in the Game
"They don’t play long toss. They don’t do anything," Wells said. "They work on the analytics of the game, zones that they got to pitch in, but we had to pitch in zones all the time. We had to figure guys out, and now they got everything on the silver platter for them these days."
Wells, who pitched for the New York Yankees and several other teams during his career, believes that pitchers have become too focused on pitching to zones and relying on analytics.
Former MLB Ace David Wells Slams Commissioner Rob Manfred as "Worst in the Game
"So, to me, it’s a matter of mindset, going out there and execute. And know what guys can beat you, what guys you have success, but you still have to be careful. You just have to hit your spots. And, nowadays, they throw to zones and one zone only against a certain hitter," he said. "And, to me, I don’t know if I would indulge these new analytics. I would just pitch to my strengths. And that’s what a lot of guys did back in the day. They pitched to their strengths, and it worked. But now they’re trying to change the game."
Wells lamented the changes that Manfred has made to the game, including the introduction of a pitch clock and a crackdown on pitchers using sticky substances.
Former MLB Ace David Wells Slams Commissioner Rob Manfred as "Worst in the Game
"To me, they got the worst commissioner of all time in there trying to change the game of baseball when the history of the game for 150-plus years has been the same," he said. "When you look at all these guys back in the early days — or how about when Bob Gibson and all of these guys, they were throwing 300-400 innings a year. They didn’t have arm problems. They ran. They did all the stuff in the offseason. They did their workouts. So, why mess with success? And they are trying to mess with the success nowadays with these analytics. To me, I don’t dig it. I don’t dig it one bit."
Wells did not specify which specific changes he disagreed with, but his comments reflect a growing sentiment among some former players and fans that Manfred is making too many changes to the game.
Manfred has been MLB's commissioner since 2015. Since then, he has overseen the implementation of several rule changes, including the pitch clock, a ban on shifts, and the use of a universal designated hitter.
Manfred has defended his changes, arguing that they are necessary to improve the pace of play and make the game more exciting for fans. However, Wells and other critics believe that the changes are unnecessary and are altering the fundamental nature of baseball.
It remains to be seen whether Manfred will continue to make changes to the game or whether he will listen to the concerns of former players and fans.
