Rob Manfred has been the commissioner of baseball for less than a month so it’s unfair and unrealistic to dish out early grades or talk about the job he’s done. Manfred only began his tenure on January on 26, but there have already been plenty of headlines.

Will new rules be enforced to speed up the pace of games?

Will defensive shifts be eliminated?

Will the strike zone change?

Will Pete Rose’s lifetime ban be lifted?

The answers to these questions and many more will ultimately end up playing a part in how Manfred is viewed, but his open-mindedness and willingness to discuss all these various issues is significant (in no way, shape or form am I saying Bud Selig was close-minded or anything of the sort).

While some fans may be open to the changes and others are vehemently opposed, the fact that Manfred is exploring all options and is open to change is a good sign.

Baseball purists are in love with the way the game is currently played and that’s fine – baseball is a great sport. However, it’s also a bit naïve to believe the game is perfect.

I disagree with some of the proposed changes and agree with others, but I 100 percent agree with having the conversations.