Disappointment: Rob Manfred continues to make puzzling moves
Rob Manfred’s “pace of play” beef has been something that will take some getting used to. Between altering the strike zone, getting rid of the intentional walk, and limiting the time for replay views, the commissioner has tried to change the game to make it at a quicker pace (more on all that here).
The intentional walk scenario has not changed a thing. We haven’t shed any time off of the game, and when you witness it in person, it’s a bit awkward.
He also wants to bring gambling back to baseball to bring more fan engagement. That could be seen as a positive, but there will still be plenty of those who look at that as something that is frowned upon, to say the least.
He has a very tumultuous relationship with the MLB Player’s Association, which alone is a red flag. If you aren’t going to have communication with your players, you will be doomed.
Trying to steer a ship that is still tied to the dock will just result in disaster.