NEW YORK — Commissioner Rob Manfred is scheduled to address the media on Thursday and is expected to deliver the biggest blow yet of the MLB lockout.
In that address, which will take place on the final day of the Owners Meetings in Orlando, Fla., Manfred is expected to deliver the news that spring training will be delayed. If he does make that announcement, it will be the first real indication that a March 31 opening day is not just a longshot, but improbable.
Pitchers and catchers have a report date to spring camps early next week. With Manfred and owners continuing to lock out the players, and no agreement in place on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, major league players on 40-man rosters will still not be permitted to use their team’s workout facilities nor speak to coaching and front office staffs nor, you know, play big league ball.
