Jack Parkman

Not to mention that talking politics has been banned from this site. I made allusions to real-life problems, but we're not allowed to discuss them anymore. What can I do? There are so many parallels going on between the economics of baseball and what is happening to everyone here that it isn't funny. There is much more money involved individually for the baseball players because the pool of talent is smaller. We're allowed to talk about the MLBPA, we aren't about our own jobs.

100% agreed and this is what I was I was saying about the parallel between baseball and real life. But as you can see, it is happening everywhere. This is a labor vs. management issue where management continues to be highly exploitative. This is a baseball forum and I acknowledged that this is happening in "real life" where it is much more important. We're not supposed to talk about politics here anymore so I won't go there. The difference is that baseball players have a union and can fight back where everyone else doesn't and can't do it unless they band together, but I digress.

You can and I don't disagree. but the guy who sticks around feels screwed by the guy who doesn't. It is a really delicate situation. Anyway, the RFA/UFA model doesn't work without a cap and the only alternative is arbitration from years 2-end of team control.

Incorrect. If a player has an unlucky year or gets injured in a contract year, it severely impacts his future earning potential. There is risk on both sides, and failing to acknowledge otherwise is management bullshit speak 101.

This is a good idea as well, but it doesn't work without a salary cap. Otherwise, teams like the Yankees/Sawx/Cubs would just give huge deals to young stars and poach them constantly.

While what you say is 100% true, the system was set up so it rewarded being able to stick in the Majors. Under this system, a guy who has 3 great years, gets hurt and is never heard from again makes more money than a career utility player/reliever who sticks for 7-10 seasons. The economic system is just fucked up, and I'd go and say that it reflects what is happening in everyday life for most of us, just with the baseball players there is much more money involved.

The goal from the MLBPA's perspective is to set the system up so that it is more beneficial to all 30 teams to try to win, rather than tank/rebuild.

Agreed. At this point the MLBPA could go to court and claim the owners aren't acting in good faith on the current CBA, and they wouldn't If the players aren't getting their retirement contracts, then the negotiated 6 years of control is just being exploitative and nothing more. There are two options currently: 1. Cap and Floor 2. Arbitration kicks in after 1st full season in the Majors. I don't think the owners would go for 2. so they have to seriously consider the cap and floor model.

It affects everyone's earnings the MR could end up getting squeezed out of the league before he even gets his payday. Players like Dozier used to get 4/60 contracts. The fact he's settling for 1/9 goes to show how fucked up this is.

The system is broken. They have to do something to compensate players properly. If every FO is not going to sign a top FA to a huge contract because they're unlikely to live up to it, then the system is busted. The players give 6 years of control in return for big retirement contracts.

I will say this, if Machado and Harper both end up signing for less than $300M, if i'm the players I go on strike on August 1st, 2019. No waiting. Too many players are getting screwed. They can't afford to wait this out. There is nothing that prevents them from going on strike and negotiating a better deal.

No, just their whole offseason strategy. If you look at their signings/moves they've shored up other positions than OF. What is interesting is that if they bring back Harper, Robles is blocked, and he's MLB ready as well as a top 5 prospect in the game. The other option for them is to dump Eaton if they bring Harper back.

How could that possibly be a serious offer???? I couldn't even imagine....

It sure seems like the Nationals are proceeding as if Harper isn't returning.

When did Teahen become Bohemian hahahaha.

Not to mention Castillo's contract will have expired.

Someone tell Reinsdorf that he can't take it with him and that his kids will be fine owning the Bulls. Get it done, JR!

Even if Machado signed a 10/335 with the Sox did anyone think they could realistically get it done for less going into the offseason?

Was your username a troll job then?

Well, it was nearly 10 years ago now. Kinda hard to remember things accurately from a decade ago.

I remember how much shit you got for the Viciedo nickname that is in your present username. The amount of ball busting was epic.

Thanks, Ron. (You're Ron correct?)

This is so accurate.

OMFG I never thought I'd hear someone say that after this past September thru December.

Touche. I can't help myself. I'm mildly irritated that there is so much misinformation going around. I'd rather be completely in the dark than read this bullshit.