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☆ What the Big Ten’s Tony Petitti Learned From the Houston Astros
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Jared Diamond | Laine Higgins | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Tony Petitti had a front-row seat to what had been the biggest sign-stealing scandal in American sports history. He was Major League Baseball’s deputy commissioner in late 2019, when his boss, Rob Manfred, began investigating the Houston Astros’ now infamous trash-can banging scheme. From his spot within the game’s inner circle, Petitti saw up close how Manfred’s probe unfolded, how he decided to impose discipline and how the public ultimately reacted afterward.

Persons: Tony Petitti, Rob Manfred, Houston Astros ’, Petitti Organizations: League Baseball’s, Houston Astros

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Oakland Athletics’ move to Las Vegas was unanimously approved Thursday by Major League Baseball team owners, cementing the sport’s first relocation since 2005, according to two people familiar with the vote. Las Vegas will become the fourth city for a franchise that played in Philadelphia from 1901-54, moved to Kansas City for 13 seasons and arrived in Oakland for 1968. The new stadium will be the team’s fifth after Columbia Park (1901-08), Shibe Park (1909-54), Memorial Stadium (1955-67) and the Coliseum. The team announced April 19 it had purchased land in Las Vegas, then a month later replaced that location with a deal with Bally’s and Gaming & Leisure Properties to build a stadium on the Tropicana hotel site along the Las Vegas Strip. While San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose is the 10th-largest television market in the U.S., Las Vegas is the 40th.

Persons: Oakland Athletics ’, Rob Manfred, San Jose, Tony Clark, Louis, ___ Blum, ___ Organizations: Oakland Athletics, Las Vegas, Major League Baseball, Associated Press, Oakland Coliseum, Las, Kansas City, Columbia, Shibe Park, Coliseum, Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants, Laney College, Bally’s, Gaming, Leisure Properties, Tropicana, Nevada’s, Oakland Raiders, Mobile, Stanley, Vegas Golden Knights, Baseball, ’, MLB, Supreme, NFL, Raiders, Colts, Cardinals, Rams, Oilers, Houston, Chargers Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Las, Nevada, Vegas, Philadelphia, Kansas, Oakland, Fremont, East, San Jose, Laney, Las Vegas, Francisco, San, U.S, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Phoenix, Angeles, St, LA, Nashville, San Diego, New York

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball will play its 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, four years after moving the game from Truist Park to Denver’s Coors Field over objections to changes in Georgia’s votings rights laws. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Thursday following an owners’ meeting. Atlanta was awarded the 2021 All-Star Game in May 2019, but MLB moved it in April 2021, just three months before the game was played. Critics complained then that the voting rights changes were too restrictive. Next year’s All-Star Game will be in Arlington and the 2026 game in Philadelphia to make the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Persons: Rob Manfred, Critics, Manfred, George Floyd Organizations: — Major League Baseball, Coors, Baseball, Atlanta, MLB, Players Alliance, Independence Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Atlanta, Arlington, Philadelphia

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Padres owner Peter Seidler, who spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to bring a long-elusive World Series championship to San Diego, died on Tuesday, the team announced. The Padres planned to open Petco Park on Tuesday afternoon for fans who wished to gather to pay respects. “His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations,” Greupner said. "Putting a great and winning team on the field in San Diego year after year is sustainable.”Seidler scoffed at the notion that San Diego was a small market. “Peter grew up in a baseball family, and his love of the game was evident throughout his life.

Persons: Peter Seidler, wasn't, O'Malley, Seidler, wouldn't, Erik Greupner, Peter, ” Greupner, Ron Fowler’s, Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, ”, scoffed, Rob Manfred, “ Peter, ” Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto, Bob Melvin, A.J, Soto, ___ Organizations: DIEGO, — Padres, Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers, Padres, “, Rawlings Sporting Goods Company Inc, MLB, NL, Chargers, Los, San, Baseball, Major League Baseball, San Francisco Locations: San Diego, Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Mexico City, “, Arlington , Texas

☆ Opinion | The World Series Didn’t Match the Very Best
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Peter Coy | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The real world falls far short of a meritocracy, of course. In the wider world, I think, it would be good to squeeze more of the randomness out of who succeeds, getting closer to true meritocracy. The team owners want to expand the playoffs to 14 teams, but the players’ union has resisted. An inferior team can win a playoff series, or even more than one series, if the “game of inches” breaks its way. The Diamondbacks being a case in point, at least until they bombed out in the World Series, losing the best-of-seven competition after five games.

Persons: ” Robert Frank, Fortune, ”, ” Rob Manfred Organizations: Cornell University, Major League Baseball, National League, Diamondbacks, MLB Network Radio

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Bryce Harper wants big leaguers to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says pausing the regular season to make that happen would be difficult. “Everyone appreciates the challenges associated with major league players playing in a tournament that is in the middle of our season,” Manfred said before Fridays' World Series opener. The 31-year-old has long been an advocate of MLB taking a break during the season to let major leaguers play in the Olympics. “Casey Wasserman has been supportive of getting baseball back in the Olympics, which we appreciate,” Manfred said.

Persons: — Bryce Harper, Rob Manfred, ” Manfred, “, Harper, ” Harper, they’ll, ” Casey Wasserman, “ Casey Wasserman, — I’m, ” Organizations: Angeles Olympics, Major League Baseball, Baseball, Olympics, MLB, Nippon Professional Baseball, U.S, Philadelphia Phillies, Team USA, NHL, USA, Los Angeles Games Locations: ARLINGTON , Texas, Japan

Abreu was suspended Saturday by MLB senior vice president Michael Hill, a day after the incident. The reliever appealed, allowing him to pitch in Game 6, and the hearing was held Monday before John McHale Jr., a special assistant to baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. He was pleased with the resolution since it allows him to pitch this postseason despite the suspension not being reduced. “That was kind of what I was hoping for when I didn’t use him in a down game two innings yesterday,” Baker said. Abreu, García and Baker were ejected.

Persons: Bryan Abreu, García, Abreu, Michael Hill, John McHale Jr, Rob Manfred, ”, “ I’m, Dusty Baker didn't, ” Baker, “, Baker, Jose Altuve’s, Ronald Blum, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, — Astros, Texas Rangers, MLB, García, Texas, Houston, “ Locations: Arlington

The defending World Series champion Astros were again felled by a subpar start from Framber Valdez and lackluster play at home. But the Rangers got some insurance from an RBI double by Garver with one out in the eighth off Abreu. Josh Sborz walked Alex Bregman to start the Houston eighth and struck out Alvarez before José Abreu singled with one out. Abreu singled on a grounder to right field before Tucker grounded into a force out that left him out at second and sent Alvarez to third. Heim, who had a career-high 18 home runs in the regular season, also homered off Valdez in Game 2 of this series.

Persons: — Nathan Eovaldi, Mitch Garver, Jonah Heim, Adolis García, Eovaldi, Framber Valdez, Valdez, Bryan Abreu, García, Stanek, Yordan Alvarez, Garver, Heim, Mauricio Dubón, Abreu, It’s, Cliff Lee, They’d, José Leclerc, Jose Altuve, Josh Sborz, Alex Bregman, Alvarez, José Abreu, Leclerc, Kyle Tucker, Jon Singleton, Jeremy Peña, Houston’s, Tucker, Dubón, Altuve, Brantley, barehanded, Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Jung, Garcia, Bryan Abreu's, John McHale Jr, Rob Manfred, Evan Carter, Adolis Garcia, ___ Organizations: HOUSTON, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Rangers, Astros, The Rangers, Houston, The Astros, Tampa, Eovaldi, Valdez, Major League Baseball Locations: Houston, García, Arlington, Washington, Valdez, Texas, Tampa Bay

Baseball’s League Championship Series are producing solid ratings after seeing declines during the first two rounds. The late afternoon window on Fox averaged 26.09 million, including the New York Jets’ upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Division Series on TBS, Fox and FS1 were off 8.8%. The Phillies-Atlanta Braves series averaged 4.6 million viewers, making it the most watched NLDS on TBS in eight years. The Phillies’ 10-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in Tuesday’s second game of the NLCS averaged 5.3 million on TBS, TruTV and Max.

Persons: “, Rob Manfred, ESPN’s, FS1, Max, ___ Organizations: Baseball’s, Nielsen, Houston, Fox, Fox Deportes, Rangers, New York Yankees, Astros, Yankees, NFL, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, ESPN, ABC, TBS, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks Locations: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Texas, Tuesday’s

CNN —Longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield died Sunday morning at age 57, the team announced in a news release. “Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the Red Sox posted on X on Sunday. His 186 victories in his Red Sox career are just six behind team record-setters Young and Roger Clemens. At his retirement announcement in February 2012, Wakefield said all he ever wanted to do was to help the Red Sox be champions. “Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said Red Sox owner John Henry.

Persons: CNN —, Tim Wakefield, Wakefield, of Famer David Ortiz, “, ”, Bob Ryan, Roberto Clemente, Cy Young, Young, Roger Clemens, Wakefield’s, Yoon, John Henry, Rob Manfred, Manfred, Tim, ” Manfred, Curt Schilling, Schilling, ” Wakefield, Stacy, Trevor, Brianna Organizations: CNN, CNN — Longtime Boston Red Sox, Red Sox, Red Sox Nation, Sox, of Famer, Wakefield, Pittsburgh Pirates, American League, MLB, Sporting News, ” Red Sox, Boston Globe, Red Sox Foundation, Boston Red Sox, Cancer, Pirates Locations: ”, “

☆ The job Americans would most like to see replaced by robots
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Joseph Bien-Kahn | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +26 min

In a survey of jobs Americans would most like to see replaced by robots, the umpire would surely rank near the top. (The MLB league official tells me that legalized gambling has not been a factor in implementing ABS.) Frustratingly, the subjective has infiltrated what initially felt like a technological problem: What does the perfect strike zone even look like anyway? The MLB league official agrees, telling me the Jetson Robot Home Plate Ump is not in their plans. "Growing up, my parents would go, 'Oh, the umpire's strike zone was small!'

Persons: Jordan Pacheco, Pacheco, John McEnroe, —, Billy Beane, maniacally, Houston, it's, Ben Hurian, Paul Hawkins, Goltz, Tyler Le, Justin Goltz, he's, there's, rears, Tyler Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald, who's, FanGraphs, Bagwell crouch, Miguel Yajure, Phillip Evans, Evans, X, they'd, Dylan Yep, what's, we're, Rob Manfred, — England's, Calvin Baker, Baker, Drew Strotman, Billy Evans, Strotman, Greg Maddux, MIT grads, steph, klay thompson, alf, hite, mudge, hird, ove, ahn Organizations: Lexington Legends, Twitter, Major League, ump, MLB, Sony, NASCAR, Triple, Albuquerque, Colorado Rockies, Astros, Companies, English Premier League soccer, Rugby, NFL, NBA, ABS, Sutter Health Park, Cats, San Francisco Giants, River, Reno Aces, AAA, Atlantic League, Big, of Fame, Seton Hall Sports, MIT, hawkeyes, ust Locations: OKC, California, Sacramento, uman

BALTIMORE (AP) — Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, whose deft glovework and folksy manner made him one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes in Baltimore history, has died. Brooks was just a genuine person.”Coming of age before the free agent era, Robinson spent his entire 23-year career with the Orioles. Robinson contributed an RBI single in the second game and became forever a part of World Series lore with his standout performance in Game 3. The Series ended, fittingly, with a ground out to Robinson in Game 5, a 9-3 Orioles win. There’s a Brooks Robinson Drive in Pikesville, and the annual state high school All-Star game played at Camden Yards is named in his honor.

Persons: Brooks Robinson, Robinson, ”, of Famer Jim Palmer, Brooks, Rob Manfred, ” “ Brooks, ” Manfred, “, ” Robinson, “ Brooks, Earl Weaver, “ He’d, Palmer, …, ” Brooks Calbert Robinson, Johnny Unitas, Cal Ripken, Orioles rooters, Ripken, Lee May, Tony Perez, Tommy Helms, Johnny Bench, Sparky Anderson, ” Anderson, ” Palmer, There’s, ___ Organizations: BALTIMORE, —, of Fame, Orioles, Washington Nationals, of Famer, Cincinnati, Los Angeles Dodgers, Star Games, Gloves, MLB, York, Colts, New York Mets, Reds, ” Reds, Camden Locations: Baltimore, Camden, Arkansas, Brooks, Little Rock, Charm City, Maryland, Pikesville

Political Cartoons View All 1171 ImagesHere is some of the history, process and cost when it comes to MLB expansion. In 1977, MLB went to 26 teams, adding the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays. For a reference point, the move to 30 teams started with the formation of an MLB expansion committee in March 1994. The Diamondbacks and Rays both paid $130 million to enter MLB in 1998 while the Marlins and Rockies paid $95 million in 1993. Back in 1977, the Blue Jays ($7 million) and Mariners ($6.5 million) paid even less.

Persons: —, Rob Manfred, he's, isn't, Jim Bouton's, Manfred, Ronald Blum, ___ Organizations: Tampa Bay Rays, MLB, Rays, Oakland Athletics, Las Vegas, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Negro Leagues, League —, American League, Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, Senators, Los Angeles Angels, National League, New York Mets, Houston Colt, Seattle Pilots, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos, NL, The Pilots, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Charlotte, Expos, Vegas Golden Knights, NHL, NBA, Charlotte Bobcats, NFL, Houston Texans, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Rockies, Blue Jays, Mariners, AP Locations: St . Petersburg, Florida, Las, Washington, Milwaukee, — Orlando , Florida, Phoenix, St, Petersburg , Florida, Northern Virginia, Petersburg, Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville , Tennessee, Portland , Oregon, Montreal, Nashville, Portland, Salt Lake City, Austin , Texas

☆ Welcome to the future of America: a chicken in every pot and a pro sports team in every backyard
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A few years ago, it was generally accepted that there were four major pro sports leagues in North America consisting of 122 teams: MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL. Take Major League Soccer. Aliyah Boston (right) and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert pose with an Indiana Fever jersey during the 2023 WNBA Draft. This seemingly insatiable need for programming is a big reason why North American newcomers, like Major League Rugby and Major League Cricket, also have a good shot at survival. In other words, if you have ever dreamed of having a pro sports team in your neighborhood, there's never been a better chance it might actually happen.

Persons: Adam Silver, Rob Manfred, Don Garber, Lionel Messi, Cathy Engelbert, Adam Hunger, there's Organizations: NBA, MLB, MLS, Sports, Las Vegas, NHL, Las, Seattle —, NFL, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Boston, Indiana Fever, Major League Rugby, Major League Cricket, XFL, USFL, ESPN Locations: North America, Seattle, Las Vegas, Europe

☆ An Unlikely Hero Emerges to End an All-Star Losing Streak
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Tyler Kepner | More About Tyler Kepner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

If he could have scaled Mount Rainier to spread the message from on high, Rob Manfred surely would have. “What do they call it — a virtuous cycle, right?” Manfred said Tuesday afternoon, before the 93rd edition of the All-Star Game. “The rule changes are good, the players stay positive, it makes the fans even more positive about them because the players are positive about them. So it’s really been great for us.”On one point, though, Manfred acknowledged that baseball had simply caught a break. “The culmination of Ohtani and Trout, you can’t plan that.”

Persons: Rob Manfred, Manfred, ” Manfred, it’s, ”, Mike Trout Organizations: Major League Baseball, Los Angeles Angels, Japan Locations: Rainier, “

☆ MLB: London Series takes over the UK
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The Cubs dominated the London Series opener storming home to a 9-1 victory. Daniel ShireyMLB Photos/Getty ImagesA UK twist“It’s a thrill to be here,” Cardinals fan Karen Asher-Relf told CNN Sport. “I think it’s awesome [the London Series], I love baseball and I’m slowly converting him,” said Karen. DeCap, a Cardinals fan, and Crain, a Cubs fan, flew over to the UK for a vacation that incorporated watching the game. Since the last London Series event, the MLB has introduced a pitch clock designed to make matches shorter – a far cry from the mammoth four hour and 42-minute game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox during the 2019 London Series.

Persons: Jack, it’s, Daniel ShireyMLB, Karen Asher, Relf, Paul, Karen, didn’t, “, ”, Paul’s, –, Jimmy Anderson, Nathan Lyon of, Winston Churchill, King Henry VIII, Freddie Mercury, Churchill, Caroline ”, Neil Diamond, Henry VIII, Andrew Couldridge, John DeCap, Scot Crain, Crain, “ We’ve, ” Crain, DeCap, We’ve, Hector Echevarria, Echevarria, Louis, Lars Nootbaar, ” Willson Contreras, Louis Cardinals, Nick Offerman, Swanson, Offerman, Ron Swanson, John Goodman, Kate Long, I’ve, Zac Goodwin, Sadiq Khan, Rob Manfred Organizations: London, London CNN, Major League Baseball, Chicago Cubs, Louis Cardinals, Premier League soccer, West Ham United, Cubs, Cardinals, CNN Sport, King’s Guard, Guard, Covid, MLB, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Soul Symphony, Recreation, Inc, ”, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets Locations: London, British, St, Louis , Missouri, Nathan Lyon of Australia, Toronto, Canada

☆ Mets to meet Phillies in London in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] May 17, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets players celebrate as first baseman Pete Alonso (20) touches home plate after hitting a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the tenth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports/File PhotoJune 24 (Reuters) - The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will play a two-game series in London next year, becoming the latest Major League Baseball (MLB) teams to take their rivalry across the pond, the league and its players' union (MLBPA) said on Friday. The teams will meet on June 8 and 9 at the London Stadium in the third edition of the MLB London series. It will be the Phillies' first international trip and the fourth one for the Mets, who have played in Mexico, Japan and Puerto Rico. MLB will also play regular-season games in London in 2026 as part of a long-term strategic partnership with the city.

Persons: Pete Alonso, Vincent Carchietta, Rob Manfred, Hritika Sharma, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Citi Field, Philadelphia Phillies, Major League Baseball, London, MLB, Phillies, Mets, St Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, USA, London, Mexico, Japan, Puerto Rico, Hyderabad

☆ NHL joins MLB in advising teams to halt wearing ‘Pride’ jerseys
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Kevin Dotson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said he has advised NHL teams to no longer wear specialty-themed jerseys during warm-ups, including Pride-theme jerseys. The decision follows Major League Baseball’s announcement last week that teams would not put Pride logos on players’ uniforms and after a handful of NHL players refused to wear Pride sweaters or participate in their teams’ Pride Nights due to their personal beliefs. Some hockey teams opted to forgo their planned Pride Night warmup jerseys altogether. “Thirty-two of our clubs did Pride nights, some do Heritage nights, everybody does Hockey Fights Cancer, some do military nights. Francois Lacasse/NHLI/Getty ImagesBettman also confirmed that NHL Pride jerseys will still be designed and sold and players are free to wear them when they are not on the ice.

Persons: Gary Bettman, “ I’ve, it’s, ” Bettman, Bettman, ”, “, that’s, Nick Suzuki, Francois Lacasse, Rob Manfred, ” Manfred Organizations: CNN — National Hockey League, NHL, League, Sportsnet, Cancer, Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Bell Centre, NHL Pride, MLB, CNN Locations: Canadian, Montreal

☆ Diamond Sports must pay four MLB teams in full, bankruptcy judge says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Diamond Sports, the owner of regional sports networks, was ordered this week by a bankruptcy judge to make full media rights payments to four Major League Baseball teams. Diamond had already paid the teams up to 75% of the payments owed earlier in its bankruptcy, court papers show. If Diamond doesn't make the remainder of the payments owed to the teams, those teams can walk away from their contracts with the company, a judge ruled. In particular, Diamond has been pushing to hold the direct-to-consumer streaming rights to all MLB teams that air on its networks. Currently, Diamond has deals with all its NBA and NHL teams, plus a handful of MLB teams for the streaming rights.

Persons: Diamond, Rob Manfred Organizations: Ohio, Bally Sports, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Progressive, Diamond Sports, Major League Baseball, MLB, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Padres, Federal, Court, Diamond, NBA, NHL, The Athletic, Sinclair Broadcast, Sinclair Locations: Cleveland, Houston

☆ Athletics acquire land for Las Vegas ballpark
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Athletics president Dave Kaval said the team was pushing ahead with plans for a new stadium in Las Vegas after the process to build a waterfront ballpark in Oakland stalled. "We have a pact in Las Vegas that we think can work and has the support from the league, so we are really putting all our focus in Las Vegas and the efforts there." MLB is the latest major sport league eager to get in on the Las Vegas action. "In 2021, given the continued lack of progress, MLB instructed the A's to explore a parallel path plan with Las Vegas. "We support the A’s turning their focus on Las Vegas and look forward to them bringing finality to this process by the end of the year."

☆ Oakland Athletics signal impending move to Las Vegas with agreement to purchase land near strip, per reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Oakland Athletics have signed a binding purchase agreement for land near the Las Vegas Strip, where the team plans to construct a Major League ballpark, according to reports from the Las Vegas Review-Journal and The Athletic, citing Athletics team president Dave Kaval. A general view of play between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 6, 2020. Lachlan Cunningham/Getty ImagesMLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his support on the Athletics’ plans to relocate to Las Vegas. “Welcoming the A’s to Las Vegas would be great news for Southern Nevada as well as our entire state,” Lombardo said in a statement to the Review-Journal. “The prospect of bringing new jobs, more economic development and a historic MLB franchise to Las Vegas is exciting on many levels.

☆ MLB Opening Day 2023: Understanding the 3 major rule changes baseball is making this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Baseball is a game that thrives off of routine and rhythms, but this year the league is shaking things up. As teams take the field on March 30 for Opening Day of the 2023 baseball season, keep an eye out for these three major changes. Brace Hemmelgarn | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesPerhaps the most noticeable change for fans will be the implementation of a formal pitch clock. Batters, meanwhile, will need to be in the batters' box before the pitch clock ticks down to the eight second mark or they will be given a strike. The pitch clock has on average reduced the length of games by an average of 26 minutes, the MLB said when announcing the new rule.

☆ Play ball - more quickly! New rules aim to speed MLB games
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The new rule gives the pitcher 15 seconds in between pitches with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Another major change - outlawing the shift - will allow for more hits, making games more exciting for fans. In 2003, the average time of a nine-inning game was two hours and 46 minutes, according to Elias Sports Bureau. An MLB memo obtained by Reuters last week showed the pitch clock was already having its intended effect. The average number of violations per game also dropped from 2.03 in the first week to 1.03 by mid-March.

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery plans to stop broadcasting regional sports as financial troubles grow across industry, reports say
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AT&T Sportsnet channels owned by Warner Bros. The channels in question are still branded as AT&T Sportsnet after WarnerMedia's assets, previously owned by AT&T, were acquired by Warner Bros. Warner Bros. The Sports Business Journal also reported that the network told teams it will allow them to continue using Warner Bros. Warner Bros.

☆ MLB Commissioner says league is prepared to step in to broadcast games — and maybe even end blackouts — as Bally Sports heads toward bankruptcy
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is prepared to broadcast games itself if necessary. A restructuring or termination of the league's broadcast agreements could also end controversial "blackouts." MLB is prepared to take over broadcasting the regular season games, which start March 30, Manfred said. Sinclair Broadcasting Group, one of the largest broadcasters of local news across the country, bought the rights in 2019 to broadcast much of America's regular season games for the MLB, NBA, and NHL. Manfred said he hopes digital offerings and future broadcast deals would allow a fan to pay to stream their home team's games without worrying about "blackouts."

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