CINCINNATI — Rob Manfred began the All-Star news media luncheon on Tuesday the way his predecessor, Bud Selig, often did, citing examples of baseball’s health: competitive balance in the pennant races, strong attendance, thriving local television ratings and, perhaps most significant, the rising use of the At Bat app.
Manfred, at his first such luncheon as commissioner, was so optimistic about the health of the game that he even indicated at least some movement on an issue that had seemed far in the background: expansion.
Major League Baseball, which has 30 franchises, has not expanded since Arizona and Tampa Bay joined the league for the 1998 season.