MLB is "highly unlikely to institute a 20-second pitch clock" for the '15 regular season following a trial during the '14 Arizona Fall League, according to sources cited by Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSPORTS.com. However, a number of on-field rule changes "will be up for discussion next week as MLB owners hold their quarterly meetings in Arizona." MLB officials have "acknowledged a need to quicken the pace of games, and the AFL was an ideal proving ground." MLB is "giving strong consideration" to modifying the '14 instant replay rule, "forcing managers to indicate more quickly to umpires whether they intend to challenge a particular call" (FOXSPORTS.com, 1/4).
MEET THE NEW BOSS: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick listed incoming MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred as one of the league's "most interesting people" for the '15 season. Manfred "takes center stage in late January" from outgoing Commissioner Bud Selig. He will "try to maintain the momentum" that has made MLB a $9B industry while "setting an agenda on pace of play, changes in the draft and free-agent compensation system, and MLB's efforts to reach out to a younger fan base." Manfred also "needs to connect" with MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark and the union while "navigating the usual array of ownership labor hawks and doves" in negotiations toward a new CBA in '16 (ESPN.com, 1/1). In Tampa, Tom Jones also listed Manfred as someone to watch in '15. Manfred is already "under a microscope because he was not a unanimous choice" to replace Selig. Manfred "steps in during a precarious time," as MLB is "trying to overcome several issues." The league is "dealing with the stigma that its best players use performance-enhancing drugs." Its fan base is "getting older as younger fans seem turned off by the slow pace and length of games," and a "showdown with the players union over the next collective bargaining agreement looms." The "immediate and long-term future of a sport at a crossroads relies greatly on Manfred" (TAMPABAY.com, 1/2).
