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Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

Frayed Knot Nov 10 2016 02:43 PM

"Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed optimism on Wednesday that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement will be in place by the time the current deal expires Dec. 1." -- or so writes Richard Justice on MLB.com It seems to me that things have been going well enough in recent years to where neither side has reason to push for any groundbreaking changes that's going to upset the other. Probably more like some minor tweaking around the fringes such as in FA compensation which always seems to be the object of fine-tuning. Also mentioned in the piece are the possibility of an international draft and pace of play mechanisms. I more than a bit skeptical of the former although may have let it slip out once or twice that I'd like to see some progress regarding the latter. Nothing mentioned about the future of robo-umps for ball/strike calls which is probably something that needs to wait until whenever the umpires deal is up for renegotiation although I'm sure it's a topic where the players would have to have their say in as well.

Edgy MD Nov 10 2016 02:48 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

I like that they are conscious about the game's pace, but it seems to me that they're too often attacking the wheat, rather than the chaff.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 10 2016 02:58 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

Yeah! I'm sick of the chaff!

Vic Sage Nov 10 2016 05:29 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

i am chafed by the chaff!

Frayed Knot Nov 10 2016 05:34 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

Edgy MD wrote: I like that they are conscious about the game's pace, but it seems to me that they're too often attacking the wheat, rather than the chaff. Meaning?

Edgy MD Nov 10 2016 05:47 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

I mean, and I've expressed this before, that the part of the game they have gone after isn't necessarily the dead parts. I don't think the pitching coach going to the mound is necessarily down time. It has drama, it has strategic import, and it's already limited. The ump doesn't need to ride the coach to hustle it out there because most get the message. If they waste time, the ump steps up and tells them to break it up. That's controlling the game like an authority should. But now that they are on a clock, it takes the authority out of the ump's hand, it's demeaning, and it often leaves the coach with little no than 10 seconds to impart wisdom and/or strategy. God help the coach with a wooden leg or a respiratory problem forced to play to beat the clock. Games are too slow, but I'd prefer a thoughtful look at where it's actually dead rather than an embrace of any measure that speeds it up. There's maybe four or five ways to take time out of disputed-call situations. Start there.

Benjamin Grimm Nov 10 2016 05:58 PM Re: Manfred expects new CBA by Dec 1

These are some of the things that can slow down a game. Some of them you can't really do anything about, but I listed them anyway: [list:enc6gl83]Pitcher not throwing the ball. Batter stepping out of the box. Visits to the mound by coaches. Visits to the mound by catcher or infielders. Commercial breaks between innings. Pitching changes -- waiting for the pitcher to come in from the bullpen. Pitching changes -- warmup pitches by the new pitcher. Intentional walks. Pitcher throwing to first base. Arguments with umpires. Instant replay challenge. Deciding whether or not to issue a replay challenge. Evaluation of injured players. Rain. Misbehaving fans.[/list:u:enc6gl83]