For all the uproar from players and hardcore fans over commissioner Rob Manfred’s pace-of-play proposals, it strikes me that we’re not even having the right conversation.



The effect of a pitch clock likely will be minimal. A reduction in mound visits will lead to even greater sign stealing—a development baseball should combat by allowing pitchers and catchers to communicate through headsets, an innovation not in the sport’s current plans.



As much as the players dawdle on the field, the bigger issue with pace of play stems from the clubs. The rise of analytics—driven by owners accustomed to relying on data and general managers well-versed in the sport’s new algorithms—has led to smarter but more boring baseball.



The players did not create a style of play in which a record 33.5 percent of all plate appearances last season ended in a walk, strikeout or home run, the action-sucking three true outcomes. No, the players...