It's official. The deal includes adjusted formulas for revenue sharing, a higher threshold for the competitive balance tax, a revamped draft for amateur players, changes in draft-pick compensation for free agents and the elimination of long-standing deadline dates for Major League free agents, giving teams added flexibility in re-signing their players. It also extends the current drug policy, amended for the second time last year, from the end of the 2008 season to the length of the new agreement. I expect the owners' vote to ratify to be 25-5, with dissent from the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Angels and Rockies (who will have absolutely no idea why they are voting against). Good thing ratification doesn't have to come from the fan bases in Miami, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Tampa or DC.
Here's more. If Passan is right, then I retract my previous comment: no owner is going to vote against this. Very interesting new rules regarding reporter access, the Rule 5 draft, and the handling of free agents. Very, very interesting.
