Mike Scioscia, Joe Torre named to committee to review on-field issues

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Angels Manager Mike Scioscia, who was outspoken in his criticism of a playoff scheduling format in which his team played nine games in 21 days in October, and Dodgers Manager Joe Torre were named by Commissioner Bud Selig today to a 14-member special committee that will address on-field issues in the game.

The group -- which includes St. Louis Manager Tony La Russa, Detroit Manager Jim Leyland, four general managers, four team presidents, Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and commentator George Will and features some 450 years of baseball experience -- will hold its first meeting during the owners meetings in Phoenix in January.

Among the issues to be examined, Selig said on a conference call, are regular-season and post-season scheduling formats, pace of game, instant replay, umpiring, the strike zone and interleague play.

‘There are no sacred cows,’ Selig said. ‘Whatever they want to talk about, they will. ... It’s a very blunt group. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. They shouldn’t be shy in any way, and if there are things we can do to improve the game, we ought to start.’

For more on Selig’s committee later today, go to www.latimes.com/sports.

--Mike DiGiovanna