Manfred: Unlikely netting can be identical league wide

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) Ballparks differences make it impractical to have identical protective netting at all 30 big league venues, baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says.

The commissioner's office has been discussing the issue with teams following a series of injuries to fans from foul balls this year. Owners will discuss the matter when they meet in Dallas on Nov. 18-19.

''If you go out and look at the ballparks, it becomes evident that a simple uniform - for example you're going to net to the edge of the dugout - is not workable, given the variation in designs of the stadium,'' Manfred said Tuesday at the general managers' meetings.

''It's going to have to be a little more complicated than that if, in fact, we move ahead.''