MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league has some "innovative" programs that they are "working on for next year to provide additional support to players who are interested in being out there, interested in marketing themselves, but making it easy for them to do." Appearing on ESPN Radio's "Golic & Wingo" this morning, Manfred said the league will be providing players "support on social media with video highlights, things they can just go in, grab them and get it out there if that’s what they want." Manfred: "The trick with players is that things are authentic. What we put on social media through our accounts may be really good but when you add the players’ input or their take on what has happened on social media, it’s way more important to our fans." Meanwhile, Manfred said the pace-of-play in '18 was "good," as the "overall game time was down." He noted the "mound visit rule and the tightening of the inning breaks and limiting the number of warm-up pitches were effective." The rule adjustments "didn't affect the outcome of any games" and "players didn't complain." Manfred: "We feel good about the effort." Meanwhile, this year's Red Sox-Dodgers World Series marks the first time that both teams will be managed by minorities, and Manfred said the Selig rule -- which requires teams to consider minority candidates for openings -- is "really the tip of the iceberg." Manfred: "We have a program of full-time staff in New York that identifies and works with people who aspire to become major league managers. ... It’s great to have on-field experience but there are other skills clubs are looking for. We try to work with people to make sure that they are as well-prepared as possible when the clubs comply with the Selig rule" ("Golic & Wingo," ESPN Radio, 10/23).
