Manfred Speaks To Media; Spring Training Start At Risk

Although baseball commissioner Rob Manfred insists there is "no change" in the status of spring training, the official start was scheduled for Feb. 16th, less than a week from now. The owners will present a new proposal to the players on the collective bargaining talks on Saturday. It's highly doubtful that players will be in camp on the 16th, no matter what happens. 

Manfred, though, says he still expects a 4-week training camp at some point, and insists he's not discouraged about the state of the talks, and thinks everything will be fine in time for Opening Day March 31st. 

“I’m an optimist and I believe we’ll have an agreement in time to play our regular schedule," said Manfred. "I see missing games as a disastrous outcome for this industry. I’m committed to reaching an agreement.”

There are some positive steps to announce, however, in the owners' new proposal, according to Manfred. 

"For the first time in history, we've agreed to institute a draft lottery to address the players' concern about clubs not competing. We've agreed to a universal designated hitter, and the elimination of draft choice compensation."