Owners discuss replay, arm injuries at Meetings

NEW YORK -- Instant replay and the spate of injuries to pitchers' arms were among the topics discussed at the quarterly Owners Meetings that concluded on Thursday at Major League Baseball headquarters.

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre, who was on the committee that helped design the format for expanded replay, gave a presentation to the executives. Commissioner Bud Selig acknowledged that there have been a few snags in the early going since the launch at the beginning of the season, but he said he remains bullish about the concept.

"We had a great presentation," Selig said. "For me, it was the highlight of the meeting. Great video. For something new, this has really been good. I know there has been a play here and there. But I think it's been amazing. It's been remarkable.

"Even the polling data was wonderful. Our fans like it. It's good and it's making the game better. I like it. I like it a lot. And it's going to get even better."

The Commissioner said that the average time of a review is down to one minute, 59 seconds.

Marlins phenom Jose Fernandez became the latest pitcher to face Tommy John elbow surgery this week, and Selig said there are committees at work trying to determine why so many injuries have occurred recently.

"We have committees with doctors and athletic trainers working on this now," he said. "We'll have reports out. It's a problem. There's no question about it. I'm almost afraid to pick up the paper every day because I'm afraid there's going to be [more] bad news.

"It's perplexing. I don't have any theories. ... The fact that it's happening with so much regularity, over and over, is deeply troubling. That's why I said to all of our guys, 'Hey, we've got to find out.'

"It's very sad. So let's see if we can find out some answers. Because nobody has them, I can tell you that. Including the doctors and trainers. I've talked to them and everybody has a different opinion."

Because of the possibility that pitchers could begin to develop problems at a young age, MLB will coordinate its study with youth leagues.

Selig was also asked if Montreal is a viable candidate to get another franchise after two successful exhibition games were held at Olympic Stadium during Spring Training.

"They have a lot of work to do, but that was very impressive," Selig said. "I give them a lot of credit. That was really impressive. Montreal can determine its own future."