MLB commissioner Rob Manfred talks expansion, shorter season, hacking

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the media at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati and addressed a wide range of topics about the present and future of the game.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the media at the All-Star Game in Cincinnati and addressed a wide range of topics about the present and future of the game. 

Manfred addressed the possibility of a shorter schedule, the league’s efforts to hasten the pace of play, potential expansion efforts and the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium situation, among several other topics.  

Manfred also spoke about the St. Louis Cardinals hacking controversy and dismissed the idea that balls and strikes could be called using automated technology.

Tony Clark, the head of the players’ union, also spoke with reporters.

• Rob Manfred: No meeting scheduled with Pete Rose

Another area Rob Manfred where is different than Bud Selig: says he's "open to the idea of expansion" at "some point in time "

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 14, 2015

Union chief Tony Clark says he'd certainly like the rigorous 162-game schedule to be addressed, with travel concerns and rash of injuries

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 14, 2015

Don't expect a shorter regular season schedule. Manfred says it's "a major, major economic issue." In other words, no chance.

— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) July 14, 2015

Manfred says ticket revenue and TV revenue to clubs would be major impediments to shortening schedule.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 14, 2015

• VERDUCCI: Pete Rose on his Hall of Fame hopes, steroids in baseball

Manfred says MLB is working on fan protection issue. Individual teams can do what they wish in terms of more netting, etc.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) July 14, 2015

• The Outsider: A long, strange trip from Las Vegas to L.A. with Pete Rose

Manfred : "We are a ways away from the technology to call balls and strikes."

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 14, 2015

Manfred says that FBI is keeping #MLB informed on timetable investigation and its "not a matter of days" before being completed. #Cardinals

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 14, 2015

Manfred acknowledge sophisticated data analysis is not "going to abate" and #MLB has to work with teams to protect intellectual property.

— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 14, 2015

"I like the format that we have right now," Manfred said when asked of any possible playoff format changes.

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) July 14, 2015