MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has everyone fearing the worst

The ongoing MLB lockout has had one distinct result. Commissioner Rob Manfred has become Public Enemy Number One to a large portion of baseball fans and players. The league’s ongoing refusal to negotiate, and constant quest to find anything to blame but themselves for a lockout they could end at any time, has gotten tiresome.

And so, it is with a great deal of trepidation for everyone that Manfred has announced that he will address the media on Thursday.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to start answering questions

Chances are, Manfred will state that the major league portion of spring training is being delayed. Owners are going to start taking a hit to the wallets at that point, especially as those games end up being canceled. Maybe that will light a fire under the league to negotiate.

Of course, negotiations are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what most of the fans would want to see happen. They want the season to start on time and Manfred to step aside. Between his inane rule changes, ability to infuriate everyone by opening his mouth, and destroying over two decades of labor peace, it is not a surprise that there are questions about whether or not Manfred even likes the game.

Instead, he is likely to use this platform to rail against the Union and blame the players for a lockout that the owners could end at any moment. It is not the owner’s fault at all that they shut the gates. It’s the players! Or Scott Boras! Or the Russians, 5G, the Super Bowl, his horoscope, or the ghost of Kenesaw Mountain Landis. Just so long as the owners are in the clear.

On the plus side, at least Manfred is not announcing the cancelation of the season. Yet. Although given his uncanny knack for doing the opposite of what would actually improve the game, that cannot be ruled out.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is set to address the media on Thursday. Hopefully, he will announce that he is stepping down