PHILADELPHIA — As obvious as the tarp is on the field, there is a better way to know when a game is going into a delay, and possibly how long it will be.
If the announced starters for the game aren't warming up, aren't anywhere to be seen, or haven't even left the clubhouse then it's clear, here the team has announced it or not, that there will be a delay due to inclement weather. The teams are the first to know. The pitchers are the first to respond. Some may come out to the dugout, pop their head out, see the shadow of clouds and know we're in for another 45 minutes to 60 minutes of delay.