MLB To Conduct Extensive Study Of High-Profile Personnel

MLB will conduct an extensive research study on the qualifications and characteristics of personnel in several high-profile positions in the game, including field managers. The study, detailed to owners today as part of quarterly owners’ meeting in Chicago, is part of a broader effort by the league to boost minority hiring, which has continued to be an issue in the sport. “I think a little science in this area might be helpful to us in identifying candidates that will be appealing to clubs,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “What qualifications and traits are determinative of success? It’s something we haven’t done on an industry basis. I think this might be a useful experiment for us.”

Much of the owners' meeting was spent on ongoing labor negotiations with the MLBPA, and Manfred said he remains confident a deal can be reached before the Dec. 1 expiration of the current deal. Manfred: “This process is not predictable in terms of time. … I am hopeful we’re going to get a deal done.”