How to solve MLB’s maddening mound visit problem: Sherman

I want to discuss mound visits. I know, MLB has much larger issues than mound visits. But let’s see if I can make a case where these fit into the larger context of what obsesses the leadership of the sport these days, notably pace of play and lack of on-field action — issues that often are intertwined.

Mound visits are on my mind again because the Rays just were at Yankee Stadium for four games, and if my calculations are correct — though teams are allowed just six visits per game — somehow Tampa Bay pitching coach Kyle Snyder went out 41 times for a total of 1 hour and 6 minutes. And though I would not accuse the Yankees of copycat envy of the small-market genius persistently demonstrated by the Rays, suddenly in these four games I saw their pitching coach, Matt Blake, more than in any other four series combined.