Today, Thursday, February 10th, Rob Manfred will be speaking at a press conference to give an update on where the negotiations are currently regarding the MLB Lockout. Manfred has not spoken to the general public since he penned a letter on December 2nd, where he address the beginning of the lockout.
This press conference is coming after the Player’s Association made the decision to decline the owners’ request for a federal mediator to assist the negotiations. The two sides are seemingly at a deadlock and the Players Association is waiting for a counter-proposal from the MLB. This is all coming with Spring Training “set” to start next week.
What will Manfred announce?
Contrary to popular belief, Ron Manfred will not be announcing his resignation during Thursday’s press conference. The commissioner is not expected to step down, even though his approval rating falls lower and lower with each passing day.
The most likely outcome of the press conference will be the official delay of Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers were originally scheduled to report on February 14th. With the lockout still going strong, it would make sense for the MLB to move back the scheduled start time.
If the players and owners continue the current pace of the proceedings, the start of the regular season is also at risk. Rob Manfred has the ability to begin canceling games if he feels the need to do so. Manfred also has the ability, with the owners’ approval, to lift the lockout and play the 2022 season under the previous rules of the expired CBA.
Thursday’s announcement has baseball fans everywhere nervous about what is to become of their favorite game. Fans want baseball to come back as soon as possible and many will continue to follow the negotiations until the MLB is officially back. What Rob Manfred has to say will be very impactful and the response from the MLBPA will give us a better understanding of how close we truly are to seeing our favorite players step back on the field.
Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire
