Mets' Max Scherzer not worried about new pitch clock

New York Mets ace Max Scherzer is one starting pitcher who isn't too bothered about the new pitch clock.

"I'm going to be just fine," Scherzer said during an interview with SNY (h/t Alex Smith). "I want to work quick. I've always wanted to be able to dictate pace. I don't even think that a clock is going to make the difference. I think it's the rule of only having one timeout that's going to completely change the hitters' dynamic of what they're to be able to do in the box." 

Earlier this month, ESPN's Jesse Rogers explained that pitchers will have 15 seconds when bases are empty and 20 seconds if a runner is on to make an offering toward home plate. Additionally, a hitter must be inside the batter's box with at least eight seconds remaining on the pitch clock. 

Rogers mentioned that a batter can reset the pitch clock by calling a timeout. CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson noted that hitters are allowed just one timeout per plate appearance. 

Pitchers who violate the pitch clock are charged with a ball, while hitters are docked a strike. 

"Now the pitcher has control over the pace of play, not the hitter," Scherzer continued. "The hitters always had unlimited timeouts and the umpires always protected them, and so now it's changed. Now the pitcher has control over the bat and can work quick."

As with rule alterations in any sport, there are bound to be growing pains. NFL defensive players eventually got used to pass interference and holding protocols, and MLB pitchers and hitters will view the clock as a standard aspect of games sooner than later. 

It nevertheless will be interesting to see who specifically benefits from the pitch clock over the first month or so of the upcoming campaign.