Manfred tells fans he wants to modernize the game

Rob Manfred says his top priority as commissioner of Major League Baseball is to continue growing the sport without compromising its history and tradition.

Manfred wasted no time Sunday exerting his footprint on the sport, telling ESPN he's open to eliminating the defensive shift and writing to fans that his mission is to modernize the game.

Manfred, who became the 10th commissioner of baseball after Bud Selig's 22-year run came to an end, published an open letter to fans outlining his goals and expectations for his time in office.

From MLB.com:

Last season's expanded instant replay improved the game's quality and addressed concerns shared by fans and players. We made a dramatic change without altering the game's fundamentals. I look forward to tapping into the power of technology to consider additional advancements that will continue to heighten the excitement of the game, improve the pace of play and attract more young people to the game.

Click here for the entire letter.