Manfred hopes for new stadium in Oakland

OAKLAND -- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, appearing at the Coliseum on Friday as part of a tour to visit all 30 clubs, reiterated to reporters that providing the A's a new stadium, specifically one in Oakland, remains a top priority.

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"I can tell you there is no topic that consumes more time in the A's organization or as significant a portion of my time, any local issue, as the A's stadium situation," Manfred said. "I think it's absolutely vital for the long-term health of this franchise that the A's get a new facility."

Manfred, who replaced Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig in January, said his goal is to "try to get that stadium built in Oakland, where the A's have been and have their fan base."

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When asked if San Jose -- currently part of the Giants' territorial rights -- remains a potential landing spot for the A's, Manfred remained mum because of ongoing litigation that has reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

The A's have played at the Coliseum since 1968, and it is the only facility shared by MLB and NFL teams. The Oakland Raiders also desire a new stadium, and Manfred believes it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have two facilities on the current Coliseum site."

"I think the city and county are in the unenviable position of dealing with both the football stadium issue and baseball stadium issue," he said, "but I think it's really important from our perspective that the city focus on the need to get something done with respect of baseball, not to the detriment of football but the need to get something done in baseball.

"I think Oakland has a great sports tradition. The Bay Area has a great sports tradition. I think it's important in an effort to maintain and continue to grow that tradition that the A's be here in Oakland. I am firmly committed to the idea that we can have a well-supported successful franchise here in Oakland."