MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Thursday appeared on ESPN’s “OTL” and said it is "important for baseball to give fresh consideration to the issue" of sports betting. Manfred: "Baseball is a little different than other sports. Our office, my office, began as a result of the issue of gambling. We've always been extremely tough on that issue." He added nobody is "talking about a situation where anyone in any way involved with the play of the game on the field would be subject to rules different than they are today. The ban on that type of involvement would stay in place." Manfred: "Having said that, gambling in terms of our society has changed its presence -- the legalization -- and I think it's important for there to be a conversation between me and the owners about what our institutional position will be."
AROUND THE HORN: Manfred addressed several other topics during the interview, including working with MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark in league/union relations. Manfred: "People forget that he was a very important part of the negotiations when he was a player and then when he came on staff with the MLBPA. I'm very comfortable with Tony. We have a good rapport and I'm confident looking forward that the commissioner’s office ... and (the MLBPA) will be able to find a way to make agreements.” Meanwhile, Manfred spoke to possible expansion, noting MLB does not "have a timetable." He added, "Really expansion has not been a hot topic of discussion. I think you put your finger on the type of expansion that might catch people's interest. If we could expand our base in North America a little bit I think it would be really appealing.” Finally, Manfred addressed start times for postseason games, noting the "difficulty comes when you start to think about younger people and do you get too late, and we are thinking about that issue." Manfred: "But it's important not to lose sight of the fundamental proposition: Our partners and baseball are lined up with the idea that the game should be seen by the most people" ("OTL," ESPN2, 2/5).
