New commissioner Rob Manfred open to defensive-shift ban

[Dback Jon]

New baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has been in office a little more than 12 hours and he's already making some interesting waves. In an interview that aired on ESPN on Sunday morning, Manfred made it clear that examining the pace of the game is first on his list of priorities, but not far behind will be finding ways to "inject additional offense into the game."

Without being prompted for an example, Manfred specifically mentioned he'd be open to pursuing the elimination of defensive shifts, which he says give the defensive team a competitive advantage.


http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-b...en-to-banning-defensive-shifts-172529801.html

 

[Kel Varnsen]

What?!

Maybe the hitters should try, you know, being better hitters.

 

[GatorAZ]

MLB is so stubborn against technology and advanced scouting techniques.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Seriously? I love offense but taking intelligent play out of the game is just moronic. I'd replace him for even mentioning it.

Steve

 

[BC867]

Seriously? I love offense but taking intelligent play out of the game is just moronic. I'd replace him for even mentioning it.

Steve

I agree! Dictating to Major League baseball teams how to (or rather how not to) play defense. It is absurd.

Next he'll be dictating who should cover 2B on an attempted steal.

'Any idea what his rationalization is?

 

[Iceman]

If this happens, then whats the point of playing defense? Its called a "strategy". That's part of sports. So stupid!

 

[Dback Jon]

He has backed off of this now, after getting pummeled.