MLB Commissions Panel To Look Into Pace-Of-Game Issues

MLB today announced a new pace-of-game committee created by Commissioner Bud Selig and charged with developing ways to decrease average game times and hasten the pace of play beginning with the '15 season. Braves President John Schuerholz will chair the group, while other committee members include MLB Commissioner-elect Rob Manfred, MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark, Mets GM Sandy Alderson, Red Sox Chair Tom Werner, MLB Exec VP/Baseball Operations Joe Torre and Red Sox partner Michael Gordon. The presence of both Werner and Gordon on the panel highlights the Red Sox' own extensive study internally on the pace-of-game issue.

MLB's average game time has crept past three hours over the past half-decade, despite a marked reduction in scoring. Selig has conducted an initial conference call with the group. "I believe that this group has the experience and the perspective to be mindful of our game's traditions while being creative about our approach in the future," he said.