MLBPA boss Clark expects dialogue over rule changes to continue

Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, doesn't agree with commissioner Rob Manfred that the lack of meaningful rule changes for 2017 was a result of his union not cooperating, and the 44-year-old said Tuesday he expects dialogue over "fundamental changes" to continue.

"Unless your definition of 'cooperation' is blanket approval, I don't agree that we've failed to cooperate with the Commissioner's office on these issues," Clark told FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

Earlier on Tuesday, a visibly frustrated Manfred held a press conference in Arizona in which he bemoaned a lack of changes to improve "pace and action" for the 2017 season - a focus of his since he replaced Bud Selig as commissioner two years ago. Among the proposed changes were the implementation of an intentional walk signal, overhauls to the replay system, reduction of the number of mound visits allowed, and modifications to the strike zone, and though nothing has been approved yet, Clark pointed to the changes instituted two years ago as a reason for optimism.

"Two years ago we negotiated pace of play protocols that had an immediate and positive impact," Clark said. "Last year we took a step backward in some ways, and this offseason we've been in regular contact with MLB and with our members to get a better handle on why that happened."

He continued: "I would be surprised if those discussions with MLB don't continue, notwithstanding today's comments about implementation. As I've said, fundamental changes to the game are going to be an uphill battle, but the lines of communication should remain open."

Under the current collective bargaining agreement, however, the league reserves the right to unilaterally implement rule changes next offseason, as Manfred noted.

"The rule change provision in the Basic Agreement is clear," Manfred said. "We have to propose changes during an offseason, (and) if we're unable to reach an agreement, the agreement contemplates a continuing process over the course of the next season and offseason. But it does in fact culminate with a unilateral right to make playing rule changes."