Earlier this week, Kershaw said that having a deep bullpen is a very cost-effective thing to doGETTY IMAGES
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is concerned that the diminishing role of the starting pitcher, particularly during this postseason, could levy negative marketing effects upon the sport. Speaking prior to Game 2 of the World Series last night in Boston, Manfred said the lessened presence of starters represents a further hurdle for the game, one that already has spent much of ’18 in the crosshairs of a broad industry debate surrounding player marketing. “I do think that starting pitchers being on the field less presents yet another challenge for us in terms of marketing the game,” Manfred said. “If you look historically, some of our greatest stars have been starters. And if they’re out there less, it has a predictable effect.” However, Manfred was less certain on the fiscal ramifications of that shift in terms of pitcher salaries, which was brought up earlier this week by Dodgers P Clayton Kershaw. Manfred said, "We have a market system. The market is going to answer. I’m not sure if the trend is persistent enough to have a market effect. But we’re going to have another market in just a few weeks, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.
UNION TALKS CONTINUE: MLB is in the middle of a five-year labor accord, but the league this offseason plans talks with the MLBPA on a variety of topics, including player marketing and pace-of-play rules. Management retains the ability to unilaterally implement a pitch clock, but Manfred, as he has before, signaled a plan for full negotiations. “I spent a lot of time between the All-Star Game and here talking directly to (MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark), trying to map out the things that we’d like to have meaningful conversation about during the offseason, putting him in a position to get prepared to do that. That dialogue has been positive and I’m looking forward to having those conversations.”
FUTURE OF WHITE HOUSE VISITS: Regardless of who wins this year’s World Series, a minority manager would be in a position to be part of a White House visit with the championship team. That comes as President Trump frequently has shown hostility to minority groups. “Major League Baseball has always had the greatest respect for the office of the presidency,” Manfred said. “That doesn’t change, no matter who’s there. Often we’ve had situations where individuals, players, whatever, don’t agree with all the policies of the individual that occupies the office. The important thing is respect for the office.”
