MLB Managers Discuss Rule Changes and Game State at Winter Meetings

At the recent winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, MLB managers provided insights on potential rule changes and the current state of the game. Craig Albernaz, manager of the Baltimore Orioles, expressed his desire for no changes, emphasizing his love for the game as it is.

In contrast, Warren Schaeffer of the Colorado Rockies proposed having every Monday off to allow for better preparation and rest. Milwaukee Brewers' Pat Murphy highlighted the need to eliminate shadows from the field, citing safety concerns, while also suggesting communication devices for outfielders to prevent collisions.

Managers discussed the upcoming ball/strike challenge system, with many expressing excitement for its strategic implications. Craig Stammen of the San Diego Padres anticipated it would engage fans and provide a new layer of strategy.

Clayton McCullough, manager of the Miami Marlins, shared his positive experience from spring training, noting the system brought a new level of engagement. Others like Blake Butera from the Washington Nationals appreciated the opportunity for teams to challenge umpires' calls, highlighting the difficulty of the umpires' job.

The conversations also touched on the thrilling nature of the recent postseason, with Rob Thomson of the Philadelphia Phillies noting its competitiveness and excitement. Managers mentioned clutch players they would least want to face, with many pointing to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman as top choices.

When discussing who they would trust with the ball in a critical game, names like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal were frequently mentioned, showing respect for the emerging talents in the league. The discussions at the winter meetings showcased a blend of tradition and modernization as MLB navigates its evolving landscape.