PSUsarge wrote:Manfred calling out the best player of the generation for not wanting to be more marketable is certainly a thing that happened.

ReadingPhilly wrote:didn't go around!

https://twitter.com/RoutineBaseball/sta ... 1452182529

Bucky wrote:what probably happened there was the home plate ump blinked/zoned and missed it- and he's one of the arrogant umps who forbids any of his crewmates to go against him.

ReadingPhilly wrote:didn't go around!

https://twitter.com/RoutineBaseball/sta ... 1452182529

swishnicholson wrote:

PSUsarge wrote:Manfred calling out the best player of the generation for not wanting to be more marketable is certainly a thing that happened.

Missed that. Sports Illustrated had a thoughtful, non-Trout blaming article in their last issue which I suppose prompted it.

"Mike has made decisions on what he wants to do, doesn't want to do, how he wants to spend his free time or not spend his free time," Manfred said in the hours before MLB's All-Star Game at Nationals Park. "I think we could help him make his brand very big.

"But he has to make a decision to engage. It takes time and effort."

On behalf of the Angels Organization and baseball fans everywhere, congratulations to Mike Trout on another outstanding All-Star Game performance. Mike Trout is an exceptional ambassador for the game. Combined with his talent, his solid character creates a perfect role model for young people everywhere. Each year, Mike devotes a tremendous amount of his time and effort contributing to our organization and marketing Major League Baseball. He continually chooses to participate in the community, visiting hospitals, schools, and countless other charities. One of Mike's traits that people admire most is his humility. His brand is built upon generously spending his time engaging with fans, both at home and on the road, while remaining a remarkable baseball player and teammate. In addition, Mike spends quality time as a husband, son brother, uncle, and friend. We applaud him for prioritizing his personal values over commercial self-promotion. That is rare in today's society and stands out as much as his extraordinary talent.

"I have received lots of questions about Commissioner Manfred's recent statement. I am not a petty guy and would really encourage everyone to just move forward. Everything is cool between the Commissioner and myself. End of story. I am ready to just play some baseball!"

Bucky wrote:I guess I should read the entire exchange, but I can't skewer Manfred based on that. Maybe he was asked "Why isn't Mike Trout a huge celebrity based on his extreme success?". Maybe he's not being critical, he's just explaining.

Slowhand wrote:Yeah, I don’t see how he’s “calling out” Mike Trout there.

PSUsarge wrote:

Bucky wrote:I guess I should read the entire exchange, but I can't skewer Manfred based on that. Maybe he was asked "Why isn't Mike Trout a huge celebrity based on his extreme success?". Maybe he's not being critical, he's just explaining.

Slowhand wrote:Yeah, I don’t see how he’s “calling out” Mike Trout there.

IMO it's about context. If the league didn't have an enormous problem in this exact area - promotion of individual stars - this wouldn't be an issue worth discussing.

Given the challenges the MLB has doing that, this comes off as Manfred putting that problem on Trout rather than looking in the mirror and saying MLB has done a shit job promoting any/all of its stars.

Look at the top 5 players in the NFL right now by merch sold. Foles, Brady, Wentz, Barkley, Prescott. Wouldn't consider any of these guys to be very different from Trout in their desire not to self-promote (in fact the guys besides Brady are known specifically for their humility), but the NFL has clearly done a great job promoting them.

Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
Josh Harder is supported by his entire team at his #Brewers press conference