MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to work with MLBPA on ‘pace of play’

Major League Baseball’s Commisioner, Rob Manfred, says he plans to work with players, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark.

MLB Commisioner Rob Manfred says he will include the players on the league’s continued efforts to improve the league’s pace of play for the sport.

During ESPN’s first Sunday Night Baseball broadcast on the league’s Opening Day, Manfred said he will include groups of players in ongoing conversations.

"“We’re going to work with [MLBPA executive director] Tony [Clark] and try to get small groups of players together to show them the research we’re looking at, the fan research that we’re looking at, so they’re seeing the same data that we’re seeing,” Manfred said."

The new intentional walk rule debuts on a national spotlight.

One of the latest rule changes to improve pace of play premiered after Manfred spoke in ESPN’s broadcast. Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Mike Montgomery became the first pitcher to intentionally walk a batter without throwing a pitch. Montgomery and Cubs manager Joe Maddon gave the free pass to Cardinals backstop Yadier Molina in the bottom of the ninth inning with first base open.

The rule change of course was received with much criticism across Major League Baseball because an intentional walk is not always a sure thing.

Meanwhile, as baseball is a sport of careful calculation and statistical relevance, many have shown statistics that argue the intentional walk rule change will ultimately save no time at all.

Last month, it was revealed one solution to Forbes’ Maury Brown Manfred was willing to consider was shortening commercial breaks between half innings.

"“I fully agree with the idea of examining our commercial load in our broadcasts and is something that we should be doing,” Manfred said. “There are contractual limitations on when we can do this; we have existing commitments. But, that certainly should be an issue we look at, as well.”"

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It is widely debated by baseball fans on whether there is a pace of play problem in baseball.  Rob Manfred does see a problem, however, and he intends to fix it.