Manfred shares optimism on labor talks

CHICAGO — While negotiations on a new labor contract remain in the early stages, Commissioner Rob Manfred is encouraged by the pace of talks. He hopes a new deal will be in place before the end of the World Series.

“The way I think about the goal is I’d like to get an agreement done while you all are still focused on the play of the game on the field,” Manfred said on Thursday at U.S. Cellular Field. “A lot of press focus is not real positive for the bargaining process. All of you would rather write about what’s going on on the field than what goes on at the negotiating table. That same general timetable would be my goal.”

Manfred served as Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig’s top labor negotiator in each of the last three negotiations, all of which were accomplished without a work stoppage. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on Dec. 1.

While Dan Halem has replaced Manfred as the owners’ primary representative, this is also the first bargaining process for the Major League Baseball Players Association under the leadership of Tony Clark, who replaced the late Michael Weiner.

Manfred said he plans to participate personally in talks at some point but praised the work of Halem and Clark.

“Dan’s the chief spokesman, like I was the last three times around,” Manfred said. “He’s done a phenomenal job. I give both parties credit. Despite all the changes and whatnot, they put together a really aggressive meeting schedule, [and] they’ve met frequently. They’ve gotten a lot out on the table earlier in the process, frankly, than in some of the last three negotiations. I’m optimistic. I think over time we have built a deep relationship with the MLBPA, and as a result of that deep relationship, I think we will have an effective bargaining process, even though there have been some personnel changes at the top.”

In a wide-ranging session with reporters, Manfred addressed many topics. …

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