04/19/24
October 23, 2006
mlb.com reports handshake labor deal: The primary issues have been increased revenue sharing and a competitive balance tax. If it goes through, this will be the first time ever a deal has been reached before the active collective bargaining agreement expired. Nobody is confirming anything yet, because the deal has to be written up and signed -- and if you're wondering why that takes so long, here's the most recent CBA [pdf].
posted by BullpenPro to baseball at 09:52 AM - 8 comments
I hope the handshake wasn't with Kenny Rogers.
posted by holden at 10:19 AM on October 23, 2006
Amicable collective bargaining agreement between MLB and MLBPA! I'm pretty sure that is one of the signs of the coming apocalypse.
posted by grum@work at 11:23 AM on October 23, 2006
If blood testing for HGH is included, then I intend to buy stock in the Tooth Fairy.
posted by Howard_T at 12:22 PM on October 23, 2006
It is encouraging that is for sure!
posted by daddisamm at 12:59 PM on October 23, 2006
I'm pretty sure that is one of the signs of the coming apocalypse. I'm pretty sure it means everyone is nice and rich, and stands a good chance of just getting richer.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:57 AM on October 24, 2006
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.
posted by BullpenPro at 01:05 PM on October 25, 2006
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.
posted by BullpenPro at 01:23 PM on October 25, 2006
From the AP story: Since baseball's first labor contract in 1968, there have been strikes in 1972, 1980, 1981, 1985 and 1994-95, and management lockouts in 1973, 1976 and 1990. What are the odds that a work period that is only about eight months long would get stopped so frequently in the middle? I mean, what are the ODDS?