MLB notes: Manfred: What’s good for ‘Goose,’ not good for today’s game
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says this generation of players will determine its own unwritten rules on what emotion is acceptable to show on the field.
Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, a New York Yankees spring training instructor, criticized Toronto star Jose Bautista last month for his bat flip during last year’s playoffs, telling ESPN he was “a disgrace to the game.” The 64-year-old, who pitched in the major leagues from 1972-94, also told ESPN that Washington’s Bryce Harper, the reigning NL MVP, “doesn’t know squat about the game … no respect for it.”
“I think to the extent that you believe, and I actually do, that Bryce Harper is a spokesman for this generation, I suspect that you will see more exuberance from our players on the field,” Manfred said Thursday during a meeting with the Associated Press Sports Editors.
“I think it’s a good thing. I think that to the extent that you’re trying to market to a younger audience, our younger players taking control of the definition of those unwritten rules is a lot better than some guy who’s 67 years saying I did it that way and you do it the same way.”
Manfred pointed out that players under the age of 25 have hit 30 percent of the home runs this year, up from 18 percent for the full 2010 season. Harper and Colorado rookie Trevor Story, both 23, are tied for the major league lead with eight.
“I really appreciate the words from Mr. Manfred,” Harper said. “It’s still a game where it’s evolving into what it needs to be, and we’re going to have a lot of fun hopefully in the next 20 years and push the envelope and hopefully make some things happen and so some things that are definitely different.”
MLB Players concerned about Zika
Players from the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed concerns about their two-game series next month in Puerto Rico because of the Zika virus.
Officials with Major League Baseball, the Marlins and Pirates expect the games to be played as scheduled May 30-31. But the teams, MLB and the players’ union are continuing discussions about the series, and union head Tony Clark described the health and safety concerns as serious.
“We recognize the importance of the trip,” Marlins pitcher Craig Breslow said. “But at the same time, our health and the health of our families is paramount.”
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is in contact with the union about the issue.
Clearing the bases
Rangers reliever Keone Kela has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and could miss up to three months if he has surgery to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. …Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish is close to throwing in a game for the first time since his elbow surgery last year. He just wants to make sure he’s ready for that. Darvish said he felt “very good” after throwing 47 pitches for live batting practice.