Manfred would like to see a field of teams smaller than this year's 16 for an expanded postseasonGETTY IMAGES
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league has had some "very nervous moments" when dealing with the pandemic this season, but by following protocols they were able to make it to the World Series. Appearing on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" yesterday, Manfred said MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark "really stepped up to the plate in terms of helping us even strengthen the protocols more and encouraged the players about the importance to adhere to those protocols." He added, "We’re staying really vigilant, trying to make sure that everything stays on track, but we’re also really glad that we made it this far." This year MLB expanded the amount of playoff teams to 16 and Manfred believes the league could have some sort of expanded format going forward. He said, "I like the idea of expanded playoffs generally. I think 16 teams is too many going forward. It’s going to be something less than that, but the idea of having a first round with something more than 10 teams and playing those 2-out-of-3 series is a good idea for us." Manfred said of the COVID-related changes this season, a runner starting on second base in extra innings "seems to have the most traction in the game." Manfred: "The players seem to like it. It brings a more definitive end to the game, eliminates those really long extra-inning games. The fans seem to like it. The strategy is interesting, and everybody knows when things are going to come to a head."
MONEY MATTERS: Manfred yesterday also discussed his expectations for fans next season. Manfred said, "We’re thinking long and hard about our entire situation next year. I do think it’s entirely possible that there could be different restriction in different states." He added, "We felt it was important here at the World Series and at the LCS to start the process of getting people used to being back in the ballpark. It’s an important part of our game. It’s an important part of the economics of our game, and hopefully we’ll be in a position in 2021 that we’ll be able to do it in a lot more places.” Manfred, on the financial hit organizations took and how that will affect the offseason: “The clubs in total lost about ... $2.8 billion in cash. It’s a tremendous hit for the clubs. They did a nice job in terms of preserving liquidity, handling the losses." Manfred continued, “With respect to 2021, it depends on (fans in attendance). We can play. We can collect our broadcast revenue, but for the game to be healthy we need fans in the ballpark.” On if the league and union have formed a connection working through COVID that will make bargaining easier, Manfred said, "Every time you can work together, do something positive, you build up a little reservoir of goodwill. I’m glad we were able to make agreements that allowed us to do things like move into the bubble here for the postseason, and I hope it portends good thing for the future" (“Baseball Tonight,” ESPN, 10/21).
