Manfred: A’s owner is focusing on move to Vegas

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says A’s owner John Fisher has focused on Las Vegas of late as a new home for the franchise.

Manfred, speaking Wednesday at baseball’s Cactus League media day, isn’t closing the door on the A’s staying in Oakland.

“I think Mr. Fisher wants to make the best deal to secure the future of the A’s, whether it’s in Oakland or in Las Vegas,” Manfred said. “They need a new stadium. I think that’s kind of beyond debate.”

The A’s have played at the Coliseum since 1968, and their lease expires after the 2024 season. After withdrawing plans for ballparks in Fremont and San Jose, the team announced in November 2018 it had found a waterfront location for a new ballpark at Howard Terminal, close to the Jack London Square neighborhood. MANFRED ON MISSED PAYMENTS » Manfred said MLB is prepared for whatever happens to the financially troubled company that owns regional broadcast rights for 14 teams after Diamond Sports Group skipped about $140 million in interest payments due.

The missed payments by the parent company of 19 Bally Sports regional networks started a 30-day grace period that could be a prelude to a bankruptcy filing, possibly leading to changes in how televised games are made available to viewers. YANKEES’ MONTAS NEEDS SURGERY, OUT MOST OR ALL OF SEASON » Frankie Montas needs shoulder surgery and will miss most or all of the New York Yankees’ season.

As pitchers and catchers reported to spring training, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the 29-year-old right-hander will have right shoulder surgery on Feb. 21. Boone said Montas could possibly return in the season’s second half.

Montas was acquired from Oakland on Aug 1. and went 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in eight starts with the Yankees. ROCKIES MANAGER BUD BLACK SIGNS 1-YEAR EXTENSION THROUGH ‘24 » Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black agreed to a oneyear contract extension on Wednesday that goes through the 2024 season.

Black is 417-453 with Colorado since he was hired before the 2017 season. He’s third in franchise wins behind Clint Hurdle (534) and Don Baylor (440).