CHICAGO (670 The Score) – With the new MLB rules creating a faster pace to games, some pitchers are taking more control of their own operation.
That includes White Sox ace Dylan Cease, who's calling his own pitches by utilizing the PitchCom device, a transmitter that allows players to press a button to covertly communicate audio instructions to a teammate who's also using the device. 2023 marks the first time that MLB has allowed pitchers to use the PitchCom device to transmit their own calls. In 2022, pitchers had an audio receiver in their cap that allowed them to hear the catcher's instruction.
For his part, Cease has chosen to take the lead and call his own pitches, which he believes creates a better rhythm as pitchers now have a 15-second pitch clock to operate within when the bases are empty.
"Especially because of the new technology we have now, it just syncs up with the new pitch clock for me," Cease told 670 The Score about calling his own games. "There is no wasting five or six seconds to look in and get a sign. That is the biggest part of it.
"Using this method, we still do a lot of preparation, but it streamlines what we want to do."
Cease was brilliant in his first start of the season, going 6 1/3 innings and allowing just one earned run on two hits against the defending champion Astros on Thursday while striking out 10 and walking none. He took a no-decision as the White Sox won 3-2 in their season opener.
White Sox general manager Rick Hahn expects other White Sox pitchers to soon follow Cease's lead and be more active in calling their own pitches.
"Those watching his first game saw his use of the PitchCom," Hahn said. "He really had control of his game. For years, we have talked to our pitchers about being in control of what they throw. You as the pitcher can shake off the catcher. It's your career and you should have conviction about it, or it's probably not going to be a good pitch. One thing that stood out to me on his start Thursday was how in command Dylan was."
All the White Sox pitchers have PitchCom, but a few relievers prefer that catchers call the game, Hahn said.
"A lot of the guys like PitchCom and taking control of the games," Hahn said. "It helps reinforce the idea that it's the pitcher's game."
Cease is coming off a terrific 2022 season, when he was the American League Cy Young runner-up after going 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 32 starts. He's happy to be using PitchCom to call his own game.
"If you are convicted in calling your own pitches, I think there is a next level on conviction you can reach," Cease said. "For me, it was almost like playing a video game with you it. Pressing the buttons and then being in control, I really like it.
"Playing the Astros, they are notorious for picking up on pitchers' little tips. So this way made more sense for me using PitchCom. Any time the catcher is putting down less stuff, it's less for the opponent to put their eyes on. The coaching staff really encouraged me to do this. The organization has talked to the other pitchers as well about it."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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