SAN DIEGO — Before sitting down to brunch Wednesday morning, big-league managers clustered to squawk about one of the hottest topics at this year’s winter meetings.
No, not Gerrit Cole’s record nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees. And no, not the ongoing investigation to determine to what extent the Houston Astros used electronic equipment to steal signs — and perhaps the 2017 World Series title.
Nope, the topic that had managers forgoing omelets, fruit and pastries for a few minutes was the news that Major League Baseball is going full speed ahead with a rule change for 2020 that requires pitchers to face at least three batters or finish a half-inning.