ESPN.com's Jayson Stark makes the case that Justin Verlander is the MVP of the American League before providing a new set of rumblings from around baseball. Here they are…
- MLB and the players' association hope to announce the details of a new labor deal before the World Series ends, but they have some major issues to work out before then. Stark hears that the draft, including spending and compensation, could be an ongoing source of tension this month.
- The sides have discussed a reverse luxury tax that would penalize teams that spend well under the average payroll.
- MLB executives are impressed by the way the Rays have resisted rushing young pitchers to the Major Leagues to ensure they're prepared for a full season of work once they arrive. Tampa Bay executive Gerry Hunsicker says it's "not rocket science."
- One rival executive thinks James Shields is staying put this winter. It won't be surprising if the Rays listen on Shields, since he would have through-the-roof value as a trade chip.
- Brad Lidge, who has pitched well since returning from the disabled list, will listen to offers from teams that are interested in him as a setup man this offseason, according to agent Rex Gary. There's no indication that the Phillies have discussed a new deal with Lidge, though he is open to returning to Philadelphia (the team will decline its $12.5MM option for 2012).
- The Rockies will try to lower payroll by $4MM or so to the $83-84MM range this offseason and they may get partway there by dealing Chris Iannetta.
- Stark heard from rival executives who expect Albert Pujols to stay in St. Louis, Prince Fielder to join the Nationals and Jose Reyes to sign in San Francisco.
“The sides have discussed a reverse luxury tax that would penalize teams that spend well under the average payroll.”
I like it. Get it in writing like yesterday.
Overall I like the idea for greedy owners like Loria, however, I think a team should be allowed to present their ideas for the future to the Commish and explain why they have the payroll lower than it is. The Rays and Pirates are two teams I can think of in the past 5 years that had an ungodly low payroll, but for a reason, and not for greed. As their plans unfolded, their payroll increased, proving it was part of a plan.
I agree. Ultimately I think it should come down to a matter of profits v. payroll, in other words is the team spending to its potential. Also I don’t think there needs to be a fine, just deny the team any revenue sharing and redistribute it.
but it wasn’t always low for a plan, unless you consider lining Bob Nuttings pockets with baseball welfare a plan
Chris Ianetta is nothing more than a backup catcher. You’re not going to get much for a backup catcher
Shut up, ianneta is a better catcher than you’ll ever be
Chris is that you?
Seriously though, take that personal much?
Terry Tiffee is probably a better baseball player than a majority of the people who post on this site… so are most of the players in the independent leagues. I just wouldn’t want any of them on my teams.
Here’s the problem concerning the collective bargaining agreements on professional sports owners and players should talk during the whole season so the owners know what the players want and players know what the owners want so then when it’s time to get a deal done they should not jeopardize the seasons.
MLB has been doing that. They’re smarter than NFL and NBA
“Rival executives” expect Jose Reyes to sign in San Francisco. Yet Andrew Baggarly heard: Ain’t no way Jose Reyes will consider signing with the Giants this winter.
tampa bay executive Gerry hunsicker “it’s not rocket science”
Yeah it’s easy not to bring up your young talented pitchers when you’re not winning! That’s the case with other teams they have a great team and feel their young solid arm could help complete the team to a world series caliber ball club. That player in most cases does pretty well his first couple of starts. But sooner or later his pitching game gets shot to hell. Point I’m making is it’s an easy decision to keep your young guns down in the minors to let them develop more fully when you dont need them in the majors…
Ummm, in case you hadn’t noticed, the Rays ARE winning (Current series aside, but the Yankees seem to have their number this season).
No major league baseball cant get a lockout! We cant have a remake of 94′
I’d be shocked if that happened.