For the first time since the work stoppage, Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to the media.
He said some interesting things about it. So without further ado, here is what I took away from this press conference:
First, training camp hasn’t been pushed back yet.
“The status of spring training is no change right now,” Rob Manfred says.
—Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 10, 2022
Speaking of training camp, the league doesn’t want to play preseason games without MLB players. Much like in the NHL where teams must have x number of NHL players on the game roster.
Rob Manfred says the clubs do not intend to play what would typically be major league spring training games with minor league players. Ie, he doesn’t intend to use replacement players in spring training.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) February 10, 2022
The commissioner remains optimistic about not delaying the regular season. But if she should be delayed, he and his group will be ready. He confirmed it via a question from a journalist whose name escapes me.
Another mention from him, the owners have officially voted in favor of the universal designated hitter. This is therefore a big additional argument for a designated hitter, who wants the chance to play for all 30 teams and not just 15.
Compensation choices have also been removed.
Rob Manfred says the owners have officially accepted a universal DH while eliminating draft compensation for draft picks.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2022
Rob Manfred also said it’s important to fans that players return to the field quickly. One thing is certain, he and his group are doing everything possible to find solutions and not slow down the discussions.
MLB commissioner Manfred says teams and owners understand how important it is to get game back on field, and want to do it quickly. They feel they have moved toward players and offered a good deal.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 10, 2022
The 63-year-old still believes he’s the man to revive Major League Baseball. He says he is the same man as in 1988, the year he prevented a work stoppage.
Players don’t seem convinced of this, however… Talk to Marcus Stroman, who literally called him a clown on Twitter.
My colleague, Charles-Alexis Brisebois, spoke about it this morning: MLB will submit an offer on Saturday. Still according to Manfred, the offer is very good.
Rob Manfred: “We are going to make a good faith positive proposal [on Saturday] to move the process forward. It’s a good proposal.”
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2022
It was time for baseball to start again, seriously.
File to follow…
