MLB commissioner Rob Manfred - Adding pitch clock on 'priority list' for owners

With the contentious 99-day lockout behind it and a full 162-game schedule kicking off with Opening Day on Thursday, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred stressed that players and owners must now work together to «deliver the most entertaining product for our fans» while noting the possibility of upcoming rule changes, including a pitch clock.

Implementing the pitch clock to help the pace of play remains a high priority and was a topic of discussion as Manfred met with players during spring training.

«I don't want to prejudge the process as far as handicapping it. I will say this: We've experimented extensively with the pitch clock in the minor leagues. It does help in terms of the pace of the game. It does help also in terms of the way the game is played, meaning more action, so it is something that remains high on the priority list of ownership,» Manfred said in an interview on ESPN's SportsCenter. «We have a great game, but historically I think the game was a little crisper the way it moved along, it had a little more action in it, more frequent balls in play, and getting back to that form of baseball would be an improvement for us, for the players and for the fans.»

Manfred said he wants to make sure «we get complete input from the players on rules changes.»

The new collective bargaining agreement includes a committee that will decide on those rule changes — a group made up by four active players, six members appointed by MLB and one umpire. Previously, the league had the authority to unilaterally introduce rule changes as long as it gave the union one-year notice.

Among the potential changes for the future: the pitch clock, larger bases and rules limiting infield shifts.

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