Conversation so far:
Were there any rule changes for 2008?
The changes that most directly affected this election involved elections of non-players (managers, umpires and executives).
How were those changes made?
CANNOTANSWER.
How was the ballot setup in this class?
the composite ballot was split into two separate ballots--one for managers and umpires and the other for executives.
How were they decided to be on the ballot?
Historical Overview Committee of eleven sportswriters appointed by the BBWAA's Board of Directors met to develop a ballot of ten managers and umpires.

Question: What was needed for a manager or umpire to be placed on the ballot?
Self-contained rewrite: What was needed for a manager or umpire to be placed on the 2008 ballot?