Headlines

  • Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.
  • Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment
  • Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Braves Select Craig Kimbrel
  • Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox
  • White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

MLB: Spring Training Games Postponed Until At Least March 5

By Steve Adams | February 18, 2022 at 10:59pm CDT

Major League Baseball announced Friday that Spring Training games will not begin until at least March 5. A delay to the start of Spring Training was a foregone conclusion amid the ongoing labor strife between the league and the players association, but today’s announcement now makes the delayed schedule official.

“We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5th,” MLB said in a statement. “All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands. The Clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the Clubs to any Spring Training games that are not taking place.”

There’s no clear timetable for when the two parties might reach a resolution. Headway of any kind has been nonexistent to this point, with yesterday’s meeting between MLB and the MLBPA reportedly lasting just 15 minutes. The league confirmed in today’s statement, however, that the parties will be back at the table on Monday and expect to negotiate daily throughout the week.

“We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side,” MLB’s statement reads. “On Monday, members of the owners’ bargaining committee will join an in-person meeting with the Players Association and remain every day next week to negotiate and work hard towards starting the season on time.”

Daily meetings between the two sides next week would be the closest thing to urgency displayed since the lockout was implemented on Dec. 2. Commissioner Rob Manfred described the lockout as a means of “jumpstarting” negotiations, but the league then waited more than six weeks to send a counteroffer to the union. In total, since the lockout was implemented more than 11 weeks ago, the two parties have had a reported six in-person meetings. Meeting on a daily basis next week nearly doubles that total.

Fans, of course, have rightly expressed considerable frustration with the lack of progress and, perhaps even more confounding, the lack of actual negotiating between the two parties. The delay to the beginning of the spring schedule is the clearest indicator yet of a legitimate possibility that regular-season games will be lost to the discord. Manfred last week called the potential for lost regular-season games a “disastrous outcome for the industry” before expressing optimism that Opening Day would take place on March 31, as scheduled.

Manfred added that the league would “ideally” like to get in a four-week Spring Training, though the chances of that appear slim. An agreement would likely need to be reached at some point next week, which would then give teams and players a week (or a bit more) to report to camp and gear up for games beginning on or around the March 5 date cited in today’s announcement. Even that would leave clubs with a bit shy of four weeks of exhibition games, but a March 5 kickoff for Cactus League and Grapefruit League play would ultimately “only” result in about a week’s worth of lost spring contests. Spring Training games had been scheduled to commence on Feb. 26. Pitchers and catchers were scheduled to begin reporting to camp this week.

The MLBPA issued the following statement in response to the league’s announcement:

“MLB announced today that it ’must’ postpone the start of spring training games. This is false. Nothing requires the league to delay the start of spring training, much like nothing required the league’s decision to implement the lockout in the first place. Despite these decisions by the league, Players remain committed to the negotiating process.”

Share 0 Retweet 9 Send via email0

Collective Bargaining Agreement Newsstand

Frank Herrmann Joins Blue Jays’ Front Office
Main
AL East Notes: Angelos, Elias, Maybin
View Comments (398)
Post a Comment

398 Comments

  1. 30 Parks

    3 years ago

    “Strike one!”

    17
    Reply
    • Please, Hammer. Don't hurt 'em.

      3 years ago

      5 meeting next week × 15 minutes per meeting. They basically mean that they are going to have an hour and 15 minute meeting next week. So pretty much just one meeting and then they will agree to disagree and nothing will get done. It’ll be at least another week and a half before any real sense of urgency kicks in.

      10
      Reply
      • 30 Parks

        3 years ago

        Hammer, I think you’re being generous. For the first time since it came-to-be, having just cancelled my “auto renew,” I’m not signed-up for MLB.tv for the coming season. “Auto-renewal” rolls out around March 1st, if anyone is curious. A small showing of accountability. All so tone deaf.

        18
        Reply
        • 4thefences

          3 years ago

          We boycotted the Rockies last season after the Arenado trade. We can sit out another season.

          18
          Reply
        • Zerbs63

          3 years ago

          I didn’t realize the Rockies had fans..

          2
          Reply
        • Shoguneye

          3 years ago

          Thanks for the heads up. I’m in that program as well. They were very fair with the covid cancellations and I’m sure they would apply the same level of excellent customer service to the strike situation as well.

          1
          Reply
        • Prospectnvstr

          3 years ago

          Shoguneye: It is NOT a “STRIKE SITUATION”. It is a “LOCKOUT SITUATION” initiated by the OWNERS. A strike is initiated by the players, which only occurs in-season, normally when the owners continue to “bargain in bad faith” like they are presently doing.

          2
          Reply
        • YankeesBleacherCreature

          3 years ago

          @Zerb63 The Rockies are perennially in the top 10 in attendance. That also explains why that the franchise doesn’t really care to put a good product on the field because the team is profitable.

          2
          Reply
        • Randy Red Sox

          3 years ago

          MLB is about to realize how FEW fans they have

          2
          Reply
        • adolf marsilio

          3 years ago

          YOU ARE SO RIGHT…. I’m looking forward to the NBA and hockey playoffs and the NFL spring stove league. Can’t wait for the football camps to open up in July.. Baseball was my sport when I was a kid. Pitched in college. BUT
          its a long way from the sport I grew up with. ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY..SAD everything seems to go that way these days.

          1
          Reply
        • Trueblue 5

          3 years ago

          Worst of all, with shorter season and delayed spring training, the level of play will be inferior and more injuries due to a big change in preparation

          Reply
      • poppopts

        3 years ago

        I still say that any agreement includes a clause that those players under guaranteed contracts will forfeit their salary while a lockout exists. Then we would see how fast the MLBPA negotiates.

        2
        Reply
        • ctyank7

          3 years ago

          You have no understanding of labor law. A lockout is imposed by the owners. They chose to close the business down.

          Had the MLBPA struck, they would have forfeited salary because they took the action

          Please recognize the difference.

          1
          Reply
        • Best Screenname Ever

          3 years ago

          Players aren’t paid during a lockout. Players aren’t paid during a strike. It makes no difference whatsoever. I think the ctyank7 account is a new iteration of the 13 year-0ld kid who has been spreading misinformation.

          2
          Reply
        • BaseballGuy1

          3 years ago

          “During the lockout players will receive any signing bonus or deferred salary payments, though they are not paid their base salary should the lockout extend into the regular season (players are only paid during the season”. Virtually no effect until Opening Day is delayed, then it is hurting both players and owners.

          1
          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          So if the owners sign a bunch of bad contracts, all they have to do is declare a lockout and all the bad contracts are canceled?

          I have a better idea. What if individual contracts still had to be paid if owners lock the players out and they’re still willing to play?

          Reply
        • poppopts

          3 years ago

          I do understand the difference. A business has the right to hire or fire its employees, even furlough them until the business “picks up.” The MLBPA doesn’t know how good it has it and will only continue to make outrageous demands knowing that they still are getting paid.

          1
          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          “Outrageous demands”? What world do you live in?
          Not a single demand of the players is remotely close to being outrageous.
          Owners have directly attacked free agency, arbitration, and are effectively demanding a salary cap.

          Players are absolutely entitled to a fair share of the revenue that their work creates for MLB.

          2
          Reply
    • Benjamin560

      3 years ago

      Its actually March 4th! Sheesh, get it right!

      1
      Reply
      • bucsfan0004

        3 years ago

        “Thru March 4th” is the same as “not beginning until March 5th”. Sheesh, reading comprehension

        7
        Reply
        • paddyo furnichuh

          3 years ago

          Those damn modifiers always get in the way of a hot take

          1
          Reply
        • Curly Was The Smart Stooge

          3 years ago

          Here’s a thought, instead of waiting around for players & owners to fill their wallets, pick up a book & learn something worth while. About 10 years ago I read about 50 books a year. Then came kindle & cable etc. I get more enjoyment out of reading vs. glued to a screen. I’m going back to what makes more sense.

          7
          Reply
        • PaulHouseholder

          3 years ago

          Here’s a thought. Don’t tell people to stop being glued to a screen when you are glued to the screen commenting.

          1
          Reply
        • Flyby

          3 years ago

          let me go on a public forum … tell them to go do something … then get called out on said example of what I said im doing for it and not actually do what i said i was going to do … then try to belittle them by making a pathetic insult ….

          yup just another troll adding nothing to the conversation

          Reply
    • citizen

      3 years ago

      These negociating sessions are more like sides presenting their thing then they go back to their respective camps and see what the proposal is. It keeps changing, so both reps probably arent hammering an agreement then. Is mlb starting spring training march 5th? something up? for the mlbpa to say this this false, there is no contract, no agreement. if they went on the old contract until a deal was reached, mlbpa could strike.

      Reply
    • spareman7 2

      3 years ago

      Well Parks I think it is “Strike Three” for me. I’m giving up Fubo and NESN and forgetting all about the MLB after a life long love affair with them. I will find other things to do sure.

      4
      Reply
      • 30 Parks

        3 years ago

        I hear you, Spare. I love baseball and, since a child, MLB has been my baseball of choice. That’s changing. Check out some NCAA baseball – good ball and it starts-up soon. Good luck, Spare.

        2
        Reply
    • User 163535993

      3 years ago

      I really only have one thing to say and that’s the fact that billionaires and millionaires can’t figure out a way every 10 years or so come up with a way to split up the profits is really pathetic. They sat on their heels all off season and now expect sympathy from the fans? It’s not like there is anything else to do in the summer right? Especially the first one in like 3 years where people will be allowed outside again. What a bunch of complete idiots.

      8
      Reply
      • 30 Parks

        3 years ago

        “Especially the first one in three years …,” great point, Mike.

        3
        Reply
      • killertofu

        3 years ago

        Well said

        1
        Reply
    • PiratesFan1981

      3 years ago

      At this point, it’s a full count, base loaded, bottom of the 7th, and your manger is trusting Greg Maddox to smack a single to give them the lead. That is where the negotiations for this CBA is current at.

      It starts with spring training and then a month or two of the actual season being lost. It doesn’t matter to owners and players because they showcased little effort to has this out back In December. No meetings or anything until a couple weeks ago and then one hour or two meeting at the beginning of January. There is no interest to start the season or have a season. This is as bad as 94-96 strike! I refuse to step in a ballpark if the season is shortened.

      2
      Reply
    • Randy Red Sox

      3 years ago

      why don’t both sides just come out and just say the schedule is cancelled till June 1st and see how few fans really care.

      1
      Reply
  2. Gothamcityriddler

    3 years ago

    “Wait, the worst is yet to come!” Ahahahaha!

    7
    Reply
    • kenphelps44

      3 years ago

      Batman!

      Reply
      • paddyo furnichuh

        3 years ago

        No, he’s Frank Gorshin.

        2
        Reply
        • Gothamcityriddler

          3 years ago

          You both are correct, it is from Batman & I am Frank Gorshin. Ahahahaha!

          1
          Reply
    • ctyank7

      3 years ago

      Agreed on the worst is yet to come.

      If both sides come to their senses and seek to make a deal, the March 4 timeline will cost only that lost week of exhibitions.

      Should that not occur, I’d give little chance for a settlement before April 20th, which would lead to a 110 game season beginning the Friday before Memorial Day.

      And even that is no better than a 50/50 shot.

      1
      Reply
  3. goldywannabe

    3 years ago

    🙁

    3
    Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 years ago

      Great news, my tickets are now for Opening Day March 5th against the Twins!

      2
      Reply
      • ohyeadam

        3 years ago

        This is Twins Territory!!!

        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          Lee County Sports Complex is one of my favorite places to attend games. Nice stadium, nice location, ample free parking in the mall lot down the street. I’ll be there the 19th and 27th, Manfred willing.

          5
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          FPG: I’m going to be in Florida for a couple months, going to attend ST in Tampa (GMS) & would love to go to Yankees / BOS in Lee Co.

          Let me know if you head to that game..

          2
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          Clipper, I’d enjoy meeting up but unfortunately that game was scheduled for Feb 27 and has therefore been canceled. You going to the Mar 6 Yanks at Twins game? BTW if you haven’t been to Dunedin, I highly recommend catching a game there. It’s fantastic, the seats between the dugouts are practically right on top of the field.

          3
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          FPG: I have not been there, but I will check into that. Thanks, man. Jays are gonna have a tough squad this year too.

          3
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          Yeah Jays will be good again, but as of right now I think they’ve taken a step back. Semien was a huge loss, and Gausman/Garcia won’t have as good a season as Ray/Matz did last year. They sure do need Springer to stay healthy.

          2
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          Yeah, great points on the Jays, but in comparison to the Yankees, and despite the odd favoring the Yankees, I think the Yankees are still a step behind them. Failure to acknowledge that will result in failure, whether this season or next.

          2
          Reply
      • stevetampa

        3 years ago

        As of now. Check back next week. I suspect you’ll be getting a refund for those March 5 tickets.

        7
        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          Steve – I agree, just thought it was funny that all games up to the day before got wiped out.

          I’ve got tix to six other ST games, hopefully I’ll be able to attend at least half of them. But I really do wonder, at what point would they move training camp out of Florida/Arizona? I can see rescheduling and having them played in the two states April and May, but not beyond that.

          2
          Reply
        • bucsfan0004

          3 years ago

          The players don’t get paid for spring training. ST just lines the pockets of the owners. I suspect many ST games being cancelled but not one regular season game.

          1
          Reply
        • leemassey

          3 years ago

          Boo hoo. The players pay for the season more than makes up for it. Fkn cry baby millionaire’s getting paid for playing a child’s game. GTFOH. Get over yourselves be greatful for all the benefits and lifestyle you get to live thanks to the FANS WHO PAY YOUR SALARY. For those picking sides just remember the more money each side makes the more money out of YOUR POCKET for tix, concessions ,team hear and so on. $100 plus for a jersey that literally cost under$5.00 to make. $10 for a beer. $6.00 for a hotdog. $40 for a hat on sale. No wonder the sport is shrinking. My first live game was at riverfront in Cincinnati when Hank Aaron hit his historic HR. God I fell in love with the game. Never missed a game by way of radio tv or attendance until last 2 yrs ago. I attended a game at Great American Ball Park and for decent outfield seat’s drinks and food for 4 cost $300. My g&e bill last month was that much. Never again will I contribute to these greedy ingrates . You can’t even watch the Red’s on TV anymore without paying for some obscure subscription service. Fk em all if they are arguing how to split the pennies left over from the billions.

          11
          Reply
        • Pads Fans

          3 years ago

          The Padres are telling season ticket holders that we will not get a refund for games lost unless the season is lost. We will get a credit for future tickets.

          2
          Reply
        • craigin805

          3 years ago

          I hope all the season ticket owners picket on Seidler lawn till they change their mind.

          1
          Reply
        • Big glove502

          3 years ago

          10 bucks for a beer??? You’re lucky!! at Oracle park the beers are 18-20 bucks each.

          3
          Reply
        • tonydann1984@hotmail.com 2

          3 years ago

          greed is what it amounts to! let’s try enjoying some minor league baseball instead of these big leagues ! That’s what I’m going to do this year.. every year I get more away from the pros because of how the game has changed.

          3
          Reply
        • Albert Belle's corked bat

          3 years ago

          Didn’t another team pull that crap during Covid ( 2020 season) until fans sued on a class action?

          2
          Reply
        • ctyank7

          3 years ago

          Sounds like a class action suit in the near future.

          Reply
        • rjcollings1973

          3 years ago

          Bye Lee Massey!

          Reply
        • etex211

          3 years ago

          After going to three games at the new Rangers park last year and having to pay over $27 every time I bought two beers, I’m pretty much done going to games in person.

          4
          Reply
        • Scott Kliesen

          3 years ago

          According to former Mets GM, Steve Phillips, ST is a financial burden for teams. As such neither side is motivated to get a deal now. But I think both sides are highly motivated to get a deal done to ensure all 162 regular season games are played.

          1
          Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          Hi, Lee

          It sounds like you’re more upset with yourself for investing so much time into grown men playing a child’s game than anything else. Now you’re projecting your frustrations.

          Reply
        • Shoguneye

          3 years ago

          Wow, you don’t deliver a service but keep the money and force the buyer to wait for a future date and potentially an inflated future price or other conditons tagged on?

          Reply
        • Shoguneye

          3 years ago

          Oh its a childs game? I thought it was a game played by both adults and children.

          Reply
        • lemonlyman

          3 years ago

          For it being a child’s game you sure did spend a lot of money on it.

          For the record, the players aren’t crying, they’re negotiating. You are literally the one who is whining lol.

          1
          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          The minor leagues are owned by MLB now. Go to college and independent league games

          1
          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          If you go to ballgames for the beer, I am afraid you are not really a baseball fan.

          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          MiLB teams are almost all independently owned. MLB has taken over the leagues and given them all ten year licenses to operate their teams.

          2
          Reply
        • vtbaseball

          3 years ago

          It’s not a child’s game. It was invented by and for adults.

          Reply
  4. keysox

    3 years ago

    Who cares. They already have lost a ton of fans. No MLB streaming subscription for me anymore. When does football start.

    14
    Reply
    • brandonl

      3 years ago

      If you’re not watching baseball anymore because of a week less of spring training you were never a fan

      31
      Reply
      • 9lives

        3 years ago

        I doubt that’s his reason. This whole fiasco has been irritating after we already dealt with their nonsense in 2020 costing us a lot of games. We should have tuned out then. Now is as good a time as any though.

        14
        Reply
        • dman07

          3 years ago

          People stayed away from MLB since the 1994 strike! Some fans get completely turned away to other sports.

          5
          Reply
        • lemonlyman

          3 years ago

          That was over missed playoffs. This is over a week of missed Spring Training games so far. Quite the difference between the two.

          I’m sure the dozen or so of you who are canceling your mlb.tv subscriptions is really going to put the pressure on negotiations. Stay strong fellas, and we’ll see ya when they reach a deal and you change your screen names.

          1
          Reply
      • Daryl Pauley

        3 years ago

        We will always have to endure the awkward riffs of “fans” who know nothing about the. sport, probably any sport. True fans don’t walk away at the first sign of discord.

        Reply
        • leemassey

          3 years ago

          The first sign? Really? This is the final straw for me. I’m done with em. I’ve been a die hard fan for nearly 50 yrs. No more. This is now the snake eating its tail.

          11
          Reply
        • smuzqwpdmx

          3 years ago

          Your final straw is that the longest period of labor peace ever has now collapsed into the loss of a week of spring training? I wonder what the rest of your straws look like.

          4
          Reply
        • Flyby

          3 years ago

          im sure there are other things like for people that liked the game the way it was.

          universal dh
          runners on 2nd in extra innings
          7 inning double headers
          worse umpiring or at least easily seen bad calls
          3 outcome hitters being the norm instead of partial
          constant bickering of owners and players over last few years
          extra wildcard rounds
          etc etc

          so pick which straw you like.

          4
          Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          Got a kick out of this one by Flyby

          “ worse umpiring or at least easily seen bad calls”

          What? When was umpiring better?

          Reply
        • Flyby

          3 years ago

          oldoak33 …

          i debated that one honestly but im not sure if we are seeing it more so because of technology where before things were debatable and judgement calls but damn near every day there is one really bad call where it is proven and we are like how can you possibly miss that. Even with replay they get it wrong many times and It also seems some umps just want their names in the papers so they purposely get it wrong or are way too short with things (like hernandez). This is why i put the “or atleast easily seen bad calls” like the robotic umps.for ball and strikes making it blatantly obvious when it is a wrong call

          Reply
      • Albert Belle's corked bat

        3 years ago

        Define “Fan”! I don’t watch or attend games until after the All-Star break, but I do read every box score from every game from the start of the season. Ummm what does that make me?

        Reply
    • tigerdoc616

      3 years ago

      Have they? I am as fed up with them as anyone is, but the history is that there is a short term hit when there are labor issues but attendance and interest returns pretty quickly. The only way we’ll know if they truly lose fans is if they do not come back after all of this

      2
      Reply
    • Mr_KLC

      3 years ago

      I believe the USFL football season starts March 4th.

      1
      Reply
      • Perksy

        3 years ago

        April 16

        1
        Reply
    • rct

      3 years ago

      imo, MLB streaming is already dumb because your local games are still blacked out. Why would I pay for something if I can’t even watch the games I want to pay for?

      14
      Reply
      • dubtastic

        3 years ago

        Truth!!!

        2
        Reply
      • Skeptical

        3 years ago

        Different for me as I am not a fan of the local team (D-backs), so I get to watch my team except when they play the D-backs.

        Reply
      • Daryl Pauley

        3 years ago

        damned irritating. Still I get to watch the Cards on Bally, almost every game. The rest are aired elsewhere.

        Reply
      • Patrick OKennedy

        3 years ago

        MLB will figure out a way to sell individual team packages in the local markets and you’ll be able to download an app and watch your local team. MLB will essentially replace your RSN.

        The problem is that teams have lucrative contracts with the RSN’s, who demand exclusive rights to those games in the local market, and that’s the reason for blackouts. They could broadcast the advertisements that even expand the viewership for those ads without charging any more and the RSN keeps the ad money, but that’s a very small percentage of how RSN’s make money. 90% of their revenue is from subscriber fees.

        Well, Sinclair broadcasting, who just bought up almost all the FOX sports channels, is in deep financial trouble. They wanted MLB to give them the digital rights to the same games that they already have for cable and satellite, but MLB isn’t doing that.

        A few teams have included digital rights. The Tigers just signed a new deal with Bally’s, formerly Fox sports Detroit, that includes the digital rights, but most teams don’t have those terms. It seemed like, with the Ilitch family owning the Tigers and Red Wings, they might take an ownership share of the RSN, but they didn’t.

        MLB is watching like a vulture as Sinclair struggles, waiting to buy them up for pennies on the dollar, or at least much less than the $10 billion that Sinclair paid for them. And BTW- Fox had to sell the RSNs off to facilitate

        A transfer of revenue from RSN’s to MLB would also be a big move from local to national revenue, which theoretically might level the playing field a bit in terms of revenue- which is good and bad (disincentivizes winning)

        That doesn’t do us any good right now

        1
        Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          All Bally’s channels are Sinclair Broadcasting.

          Reply
        • HubertHumphrey

          3 years ago

          If that’s the plan (kill Bally’s, then pick up the pieces,) it is actually deviously clever

          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          It’s something that more fell into their lap, if it falls, than by design. They’re not killing Sinclair. They’ve just over leveraged themselves. They’re finding that RSN”s don’t want to pay subscriber fees when only a portion of their subscribers insist on having sports as a staple of their broadcast packages.

          Bally’s only owns naming rights for the channels. Sinclair paid $10 billion to Disney for the Fox sports channels, and a bunch of other programming. They sold naming rights to Bally’s for $88 million over 10 years.

          Disney had to sell off the 22 RSN’s to get approval from DOJ to purchase the Century 21 Fox library and other programming that they wanted.

          It seems that the direct to consumer programming is the future, if not the present, and MLB is very well positioned to deliver baseball via streaming apps. After all, BAM tech pioneered the streaming technology and still has a share of the company that was sold to Disney.

          1
          Reply
    • Best Screenname Ever

      3 years ago

      Then why are you posting on MLBtraderumors. LOL!!!

      Reply
  5. TalkingBaseball

    3 years ago

    I’m getting closer to my “Who cares” moment.

    15
    Reply
  6. 13Morgs13

    3 years ago

    Manfred killing the game one season at a time

    24
    Reply
    • Franklin Souze

      3 years ago

      The owners & Manfred are utilizing this season to execute a plan to de-emphasize MLPA controls & influence,, regain financial & player control & to execute a ton of clown posse rules designed to shorten playing time and create more commercial opportunities.
      Yikes.!…….sounds like another Q-tRumplican conspiracy theory but ……….

      4
      Reply
      • bjsguess

        3 years ago

        Wait a second … are you suggesting that the owners are doing everything in their power to maximize their interests? Shocking!

        That would be in contrast to the players who are only looking out for the fans and the future of the game.

        This pick a side arguing is so silly. I wish we could all agree that the Owners AND the Players are each only looking out for themselves. The only people really hurting are the fans who are missing out on their past time or those who can no longer afford to attend games due to outrageous prices.

        17
        Reply
        • Bookbook

          3 years ago

          I take your point. HOWEVER, if you look at the actual proposals, most of the players’ would enhance/maintain the quality of the product for fans, whereas most of the owners’ are of the carve-up-the-golden-goose-to-squeeze-out-all-the-gold variety. If the players would just push for more for the minor leaguers their proposals would be nearly perfect (I’d rather have higher minimum wage than the overly complicated bonus pool, but that’s my major beef.)

          4
          Reply
  7. tigerdoc616

    3 years ago

    I have tickets to a game in late March. Going to hold you to that option for a full refund if you are still not playing by then!

    1
    Reply
  8. FredMcGriff for the HOF

    3 years ago

    Keep it up MLBPA and MLB and drive away the shrinking numbers of fans. Owners have made concessions. Players are simply asking for too much all at once. Take your raises and play a game and get paid ridiculously to do it.

    14
    Reply
    • tigerdoc616

      3 years ago

      HAHAHAHAAA! Actually the opposite. The owners screwed the players the last CBA despite the fact that league revenues have been going up. Their current TV deals are very lucrative. Yet the owners are hellbent on screwing the players even more than the last time. It is the players who have been willing to negotiate, that have made concessions and it hasn’t moved the needle.

      Baseball isn’t a game, it is a form of entertainment. Those who provide that entertainment deserve to share in the financial windfall it creates.

      15
      Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        3 years ago

        This is so tiresome. If you actually believe that, you’re beyond naive.

        The concessions that have been made are almost all in the direction of the players and they’re still leaving meetings after 15 minutes. Acting like children if they don’t get everything they want.

        “Those who provide that entertainment deserve to share in the financial windfall it creates.”

        LOL right the players are making slave wages to play a game for a living. Those evil capitalist pig owners. How dare they only pay them millions of dollars per year. This is a human rights issue. Someone call Amnesty International.

        27
        Reply
        • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

          3 years ago

          Not all players are making the big bucks. Most players go broke trying to make it to the bigs. The money required to train, recover, travel, etc. is incredibly expensive. And there is no guarantee. Sure, they make more than minimum wage, but the money being spread around and leaving many athletes broke and without a figure is ridiculous.

          5
          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          The minimum salary in 2021 was $570,500/year…

          If you’re not good enough to make the bigs and you go broke chasing a futile dream, that isn’t anyones fault but your own.

          I’m sure you wouldn’t feel the same pity for someone who went broke by moving to Hollywood and spending a decade trying to become a successful actor.

          25
          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          Not to mention, the owners just offered a concession to raise the minimum to $615,000/year.

          14
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          That more than anything is what’s really irritating to me, players pushing for a minimum salary approaching a million bucks. It’s insane.

          9
          Reply
        • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

          3 years ago

          $45,000 increase… after the government and agent gets their share… $25,000. At the entertainment level with billions of dollars exchanging hands each year, that’s a joke.

          5
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          you’re like a broken record throwing the “slave labor and capitalist pigs nonsense.” What’s truly tiresome and very naive is your continued hackneyed defense of a system that grossly restricts players.

          3
          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          Shiatsu4U — While I lean toward the players in this fight, it’s hard to be sympathetic to workers who spend 4-5 years in the minors only to make $570,000+ annually after that.

          As others in this thread have said, players are not forced to follow their dream, while the average man scrambles to make a livable wage.—usually for more than 4 or 5 years.

          MLB owners should pay minor league players a decent wage and they should offer more to the younger players, but the veterans who are make millions and not producing are hard to feel sorry for.

          11
          Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          3 years ago

          Players money is guaranteed, let’s not forget that.

          So why I, like many other posters, hope a fair deal is worked out for both sides and players get a nice cut, an important thing to remember is how if a player breaks his leg, stops trying, or just starts sucking, they will get that money.

          Chris Davis, Chris Sale, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Heyward were paid in total over $120 million in 2021 to produce in total about 1 WAR.

          The real problem isn’t really the cut the players are getting in total, it’s how it’s divided up within the players that’s a huge problem. Raise the floor to $1 million for every player, find a way to pay young stars early and often and then cut out deals over 7 years in length and let teams buy out contracts the last 2 years at a fraction of the price.

          6
          Reply
        • HubertHumphrey

          3 years ago

          Yeah. Marginal players don’t make enough to live out their post-baseball lives, and most have few transferable skills.

          2
          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          Hubert Humphrey — If that isn’t one of the most absurd generalizations I’ve heard in a long time. Many players have gone to college, many make enough in their first few years that—if they handle their money wisely—they’ll be fine whatever they do next.

          Like most humans, players are not one dimensional beings. And if making $575,000+ for a couple years doesn’t put you on the right trajectory, it’s hard to feel sympathy.

          MLB should pay the minor league players a decent salary and slightly raise first year Major Leaguers. But please, let’s not suggest they’re downtrodden.

          9
          Reply
        • thechiguy

          3 years ago

          Here’s a good time to teach myself some math…..

          -A full baseball season consists of 187 days…
          -Minimum Salary in 2021 was = $570,500.00
          -I get called up….. My 1 day pay minus union fees/taxes/etc… = $3,050.80

          Too bad I didn’t get called up last season… that would cover my mortgage for a month in one day…

          5
          Reply
        • outhaus33

          3 years ago

          But that’s not even up for discussion in the CBT because minor leaguers aren’t represented. Don’t disagree one bit that minor leaguers get screwed. I had to turn down low A ball because I couldn’t afford to raise a child on the pay and still dedicate enough time and energy to better my performance

          1
          Reply
        • keysox

          3 years ago

          With inflation running rapid, how can they live on 615k.
          Haha

          3
          Reply
        • TheWomanWithTheGlassEye

          3 years ago

          About 75% of pro ball players are not millionaires

          1
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          And think of the money players make in the offseason with appearances, autographs, endorsements etc. When you’re a big leaguer there’s no shortage of people willing to hire you during the offseason. With their millions they can open up restaurants and other businesses which make them even more money.

          5
          Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          3 years ago

          That seems extremely high. Any player that plays 3 years would be a millionaire give or take. Not including signing bonuses.

          Average length of mlb careers is 2.7 years. So that 75% isn’t adding up.

          6
          Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          A card megadeal gets you about 30-60 grand. If you did something in the World Series, or if you’re a premier player you may see card deals for these numbers. You’re not opening a restaurant on a card or cleat deal.
          Most guys get a $500 check from Topps per year.

          2
          Reply
        • rct

          3 years ago

          Absolutely mind-blowing that MLB billionaire owners are making money hand over fist, have locked the players out (this is not a strike), have made almost no concessions whatsoever, *are represented by Robb Manfred*, and yet people will still rip the players here. Talk about boot-licking.

          4
          Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          14 players per 40 man roster are not on a major league roster. That’s 420 players on 40 man rosters making $80k max, which is second year 40 man money.

          50% of all major league players make minimum. After 39% federal taxes (not including state and local, cost of living) you’re clearing $340k a year. If the average MLB career is 3 years, that means that about 72-75% of guys on a 40 man roster are worth $1mm max, and most of those on a 40 man roster are not worth anywhere near that.

          Reply
        • bjsguess

          3 years ago

          Absolutely mind-blowing that comments like this either come from someone who is so blatantly biased or so ill-informed that it makes it hard to discuss anything rationally.

          1. Owners are locking out simply because this is when a work stoppage least impacts them. The players could resume baseball tomorrow if they guaranteed that they would not strike during the remainder of the season (and jeopardize the playoffs). But they won’t do that. They want to paint the owners in a bad light rather than be honest and admit that they will employ the exact same tactic (strike/lockout when it has the least economic impact on their group) if given the opportunity.

          2. MLB players are making money hand over fist. The league minimum puts them squarely into the 1% category. Those that reach free agency are in the 0.1% category. Not bad for a 30-year-old who often doesn’t have an education or any experience beyond playing a game.

          3. The players are demanding changes to Super 2, a brand new bonus pool of over $100M, and less team control. Tell me again about those concessions the players have made against the owner’s radical changes?

          8
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 years ago

          HubertHumphrey
          Yeah. Marginal players don’t make enough to live out their post-baseball lives, and most have few transferable skills.
          =================================
          And how is that different than the rest of the world? Folks with marginal skills get paid marginal money. It’s not magic.

          6
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 years ago

          Shiatsu4U
          $45,000 increase… after the government and agent gets their share… $25,000.
          ========================
          So you’re suggesting that the agents shouldn’t get paid and the government should tax their income? Otherwise, there is no point to your post. Everyone pays taxes.

          2
          Reply
        • Bookbook

          3 years ago

          Actually, I do, think it stinks that actors get bankrupted pursuing their dreams, too. The winner-takes-all society hurts everybody in every industry. Asking for at least minimum wage for minor leaguers, and paid spring training, is not asking for a lot.

          1
          Reply
        • Bookbook

          3 years ago

          The median career is only 2 years.

          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          Bookbook —Where’d you get that figure?

          Reply
        • Detroit_SP

          3 years ago

          I keep thinking about the NHL buyout system and wonder if that could be tied to a minimum salary approaching $900,000 or so.

          If Miguel Cabrera’s salary was bought out for even, say, 50% of the original salary, that’s enough to pay the minimum salary for fifteen players.

          I think what a lot of people who are upset about the players asking for a higher minimum don’t understand is that the players are seeking a larger piece of the SURPLUS VALUE generated by these players. Teams are generating incredible revenues increasing at significant paces, but pre-arb aren’t seeing an increase. I think every employee would feel that way. In fact, the vast majority of America is feeling that way right NOW with inflation.

          1
          Reply
        • Appalachian_Outlaw

          3 years ago

          100m spread over every team in MLB, for every player, is not that much of a bonus pool demand. I see all these anti-player comments and it’s clear how the owners always “win” these negotiations. In the court of public opinion, they’ve snared a lot of people hook, line and sinker.

          Reply
        • slider32

          3 years ago

          Still, the starting pay is lower than all other major sports!!

          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          You’ve got your facts wrong Carl.
          On December 1st, owners were expected to make a counter proposal to the players, while threatening a lockout if an agreement wasn’t reached.

          They didn’t make a proposal. Instead, they demanded that players take the issues of free agency, arbitration, and revenue sharing off the table completely as a precondition to any further talks.

          When the players didn’t accept this ludicrous demand, owners walked out after seven minutes, a lockout was declared and owners waited more than six weeks to make a proposal or bargain at all.

          Owners proposals included
          – abolishing free agency after six years and replacing it with an age based systerm that would keep players locked in up to 10 years
          – abolishing arbitration completely and replacing it with an algorithm based on WAR
          – when that failed, replacing super two arbitration with an algorithm
          – they’re still demanding an even harder de facto salary cap, with only one percent per year increase in the CBT threshold, more than doubling the tax rates, and adding draft pick penalties

          THESE are the most extreme proposals that have been made.
          The minimum wage proposed by MLB barely keeps up with inflation, let alone the 30% increase in MLB revenues
          Their proposal would freeze minimum salaries for five years and convert them to fixed salaries so that minimums also become maximum salaries
          The $15 million bonus pool is more than offset by those draconian proposals. They want the arbitration issue to go away for $15 million

          Did anyone here say that the players are making “slave wages” NO- just you. Keep attacking that strawman til it bleeds.
          The players want a fair share of the increased revenues that their labor is providing to MLB. Their salaries are limited and kept below poverty level in the minors, then restricted in the majors for six years, then subjected to service time manipulation before finally being able to bargain for their own wages. And the owners want to restrict their own ability to pay them market rates.

          2
          Reply
        • Best Screenname Ever

          3 years ago

          Naive? I’ve not seen anyone so naive as those who parrot all the Scott Boras and MLBPA misinformation they can find.

          The last two rounds of collective bargaining ended with the MLBPA exec UNANIMOUSLY ratifying the CBA, including the one negotiated by Michael Werner. But now when it suits them, the MLBPA is telling us these freely negotiated, unanimously ratified agreements were ‘unfair’. LOL!! What a clown show the MLBPA is.

          Their clown show bargaining agenda included 3 obvious non-starters – changing free agency from 6 years where it’s been for almost 50 years; arbitration from where it’s been for 40 years, and reducing revenue sharing so Boras can have the Yankees and Dodgers sign everyone. Meanwhile, the MLBPA pretends to be about ‘competitiveness’ and ‘integrity’. LOL! Hard to imagine how ‘naive; you have to be to buy the Boras/MLBPA line. MLB offered to make a proposal in December without the non-starter issues and the MLBPA refused. MLBPA is locked out because they deserve to be.

          Reply
      • chad schillinger

        3 years ago

        Screwed the players????? Haha, I wish my employer would “screw me ” with a $500,000+++ minimum salary

        10
        Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          Maybe if you had the talent and skill level to make that kind of money you’d probably feel a lot differently

          4
          Reply
      • NY_Yankee

        3 years ago

        Baseball is a game. The players are not entertainers. There are very few players people will pay to see. On the Yankees Aaron Judge and that is about it.

        3
        Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          3 years ago

          I can’t agree with that.

          There was one year I only went to Roy Halladay starts, I remember his starts averaged 3-4K more per game than the other starters.

          Baseball is a game which is constantly renewed with new entertainers.

          3
          Reply
        • Vizionaire

          3 years ago

          yeah, as if he is the only only one in a game.

          Reply
      • JoeBrady

        3 years ago

        tigerdoc616
        The owners screwed the players the last CBA despite the fact that league revenues have been going up.
        ===================================
        Two choices-take a percentage of revenue, or stop complaining when revenues exceed salaries. It’s the same as every other thing in your life. You can lend money to a company or invest in the company.

        2
        Reply
        • hetzel01

          3 years ago

          The owners didn’t screw the players, the players association agreed to the deal, just like they’ll do probably next week. At the end of the day, the owners have the leverage and the players will cave.

          2
          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          Owners refuse to open their books, so the players are not willing to agree to a percentage of revenue that they don’t know for sure is correct. We do know that from what is public knowledge that MLB had revenue of around $12 billion in 2021 even with losing about 30% of ticket sales. We also know that players made $4.14 billion in combined salaries and benefits since those are public information. That means that MLB players made the least money as a percentage of revenue of any sport in the US.

          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          Outinleftfield—While that may be true, it’s not as if Major League players are hurting. It’s the minor league players and the first-year players that need a bump.

          3
          Reply
      • Cosmo2

        3 years ago

        The players are not getting screwed. They are millionaires. Perspective please.

        5
        Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          63.2% of the players are not millionaires. It doesn’t seem like you bother to read the articles you comment on. Maybe start there.

          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          outinleftfield — Not sure where you got that number or how one officially quantifies “millionaires,” but anyone making the Major League minimum for a year or two should be set for life. If not, they’ve mishandled their money.

          Mind you, I lean toward the players in this fight, but let’s not pretend they’re downtrodden. Like everyone who pursues a dream, it takes years, and most don’t make it, whatever the career.

          Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          If your net worth is over a million, you’d be considered a millionaire.

          If you play in the major leagues for three years, you’ve likely cleared around a million after federal taxes. If you’re playing in NY or CA a majority of the time that’s likely not true.

          If you’ve played a year in the major leagues, you’re not “ set for life”, but you should have around $300k saved.

          1
          Reply
        • Pete'sView

          3 years ago

          A darn good start for anyone in their 20’s..

          Reply
      • stymeedone

        3 years ago

        The owners making more or less, to me, is pretty irrelevant. I hope my employer makes money. Not much job security when it doesnt. When a union is involved, the issues should be job security, work environment, benefits, and of course, wages. I really don’t see the Union doing anything to help with job security (guess that’s the job of the agent). The players get the best facilities to work out and prepare in, plus professionally maintained fields to play on, fly first class, and stay in 4star hotels. They get top flight benefits, and can earn a rarity today, a pension. Their minimum salary is over $600,000. The maximum is over $40,000,000. I have a hard time showing any empathy to the players “plight”.

        7
        Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          Wow!! You didn’t get a single thing correct. Yet you still feel like you should comment. Why is that?

          Reply
    • dclivejazz

      3 years ago

      MLB has made marginal “concessions” that nibble at the edges of the significant issues such that the players seek to rectify, such as tanking, the lower compensation of younger players relative to their contributions, and the penalties and incentives that reduce the bidding on free agents (like the compensatory draft pick a team must give up to sign a free agent who turns down a qualifying offer).

      MLB hasn’t been serious in these negotiations yet for the most part, although some progress has been made on non-core economic issues. At best, MLB has put forth publicity stunts.

      1
      Reply
  9. bluesteele

    3 years ago

    Keep delaying! The players will cave. Fans will be back. Always do. Stay strong owners.

    7
    Reply
    • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

      3 years ago

      There’s always gotta be one in the group, eh?

      3
      Reply
      • acell10

        3 years ago

        it’s probably the same guy posting with different accounts…

        2
        Reply
        • bluesteele

          3 years ago

          Not trying to be a troll. It’s the right stance. The owners win every time if they stay strong and hold out. There is no downside. Strikes are a short term loss for owners but the long term benefit is absolutely in their favor. That’s just fact.

          8
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          You are entirely trying to be a troll. Also it’s far from the right stance. I’ve never gone to a game or paid my hard earned money to watch John Henry or Peter Angelos sit in the owners box looking like wax figures melting in the sun. I pay to see the players.

          4
          Reply
        • paule

          3 years ago

          You may be right about the players caving in, but why would ANYONE support anything that the owners or Manfred propose?

          3
          Reply
        • bluesteele

          3 years ago

          Not about Manfred. I believe in risk takers and entrepreneurs. The players are doing just fine. Even the mediocre ones. They have a very fair deal. This is business and people act like it’s not. No strike EVER has cost an owner in the long run. Never ever. The smart play is to wait. And you can say you don’t go see owners, but you do. They provided you with 100% of the investment that surrounds your entire experience. Stop being emotional about a business deal that’s running it’s course. They are playing you like a pawn and based on Acell’s million responses on post after post, it’s working.

          7
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          Such a short sighted view. If you believe in risk takers and entrepreneurs so much you wouldn’t be supporting the owners. The owners provide the venue but the players provide the talent. without that talent there is no experience to be had.

          The only getting played is you with your half brained belief in “entrepreneurship” as a justification for supporting ownership.

          2
          Reply
        • bluesteele

          3 years ago

          This type of response is just dumb and whiny. Where are the folks that have actually negotiated something in their lives? Drop the 13 year old girl emotion. The players aren’t playing for free. They’re doing well. ALL of them. That said they are just employees and they are perfectly justified to strike. You’ve literally posted 1000 times already on this topic. Arguing with everyone with little facts. It’s a business. I’m rooting for the owners and they’re smart to cancel games. They’ll win. History proves is. You can hate it, but it’s true.

          7
          Reply
        • vtbaseball

          3 years ago

          @bluesteele – 100% of the investment that provides the experience??? I think the tax payers who funded stadiums and infrastructure would have something to say about that.

          2
          Reply
        • Vizionaire

          3 years ago

          what risk do the owners take? nothing!

          Reply
        • dclivejazz

          3 years ago

          MLB owners aren’t “risk takers and entrepreneurs,” at least as far as their ownership of a baseball team goes. They are a select few allowed onto a monopolistic gravy train. For all their ballyhoo about the principles of free enterprise, they are part of a mutually back-scratching club that enjoys an antitrust provision which insures no start-ups can compete with them. They are amongst the plumpest of fat cats and not one of them is close to being as vital as they think.

          5
          Reply
        • Cosmo2

          3 years ago

          No one goes to any business to see the owner, they go for the product. Yet the owner makes money on revenue cuz if they didn’t then why would they invest? This infantile understanding of economics some fans have is ridiculous. The owners serve a purpose. There’s a wee bit more to the business than simply what entertains you directly. You don’t go to see the accountants either. Should the accountants not get paid?

          2
          Reply
        • Cosmo2

          3 years ago

          The money is vital. The money that ONLY these billionaires and their investing partners can provide is crucial.

          3
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          @acell
          None of those players would be there without the owner signing their paycheck. You would be looking at an empty field.

          4
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          @Styme and the owners would be making no money either. I’m not making an all or nothing argument or opposed to owners making money. I’d rather see the players earn more and be compensated at a better rate. This isn’t a zero game.

          Reply
        • bluesteele

          3 years ago

          It’s just jealousy! You hate rich people getting richer. I get it. They were smarter and better than us and made really good investments. So you hate them in favor of the pompous athlete who only cares about the fans when they need you to feel sorry for them during labor negotiations. Look, it’s not emotional to me. None of this will change my life. Keep arguing. I just posted that I’m rooting for ownership and they are smart if they stay strong and ditch some games. They win every time! Let those 40mill a year players pay the salaries of all those “struggling minor leaguers” they swear they are negotiating so hard for.

          5
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          @cosmos2 no one is arguing the owners don’t serve a purpose. Saying I support the players or want them to improve their share of the revenue doesn’t mean that I don’t think the owners deserve to make money in this as well too. as said earlier this isn’t a zero sum game. Owners have and can still ridiculous profits. I just don’t think by virtue of their ownership of a team they deserve to unbalance the scales so much in their favor vs the players.

          Reply
        • bluesteele

          3 years ago

          FIRST sensible thing you’ve posted! See I can agree with that rationale thought.

          2
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          Now I can look forward to when you actually post something rational too!

          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          @bluesteel the only person who seems to hate rich people getting richer is you for craping on the players. I could take the same tact as you and that say you seem to hate talented athletes in favor of pompous greedy billionaires who want to squeeze as much as possible out of whoever they can and wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire.. Again, as I said, I don’t like the scales being as imbalanced as they are.

          1
          Reply
        • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

          3 years ago

          He’s probably not trolling.

          There are a LOT of people in this country whose joy in life is to be human Kleenex for the rich.

          And others are jealous AF.

          Reply
        • kwolf68

          3 years ago

          This! Owners enjoy a pure monopoly and guaranteed revenue. Juxtaposing this to real risk taking entrepreneurs is folly.

          1
          Reply
        • Patrick OKennedy

          3 years ago

          Let’s cut the crap about owners taking all the risk. They’re billionaires to begin with when they buy the team, often because they inherited a pile of money. Franchise values have soared across the board, making them literally billions more, depending when they bought their teams.

          Players work on honing their skills from little league through high school and maybe into college, with a select few of them becoming good enough to be drafted. They get a signing bonus that is pre determined by an agreement that they are not a party to. In fact, nobody at the table represents the interest of amateur draftees at all.

          In the minor leagues, MLB lobbied and got congress to pass a special exemption so they can pay players below minimum wages, for up to five years before they are put on a 40 man roster. Only then are they guaranteed at least $40K a year. See any risk yet?

          A very small percentage of them will actually make it to the major leagues, where their salaries are limited by the CBA and owners oppose even giving them an arbitration hearing for three years. An even smaller percentage ever get to arbitration, let alone free agency where they can finally bargain for their own wages.

          So let’s cut the crap about players not taking any risk.

          1
          Reply
    • User 2079935927

      3 years ago

      You’re advising a billionaire to stay strong?

      1
      Reply
  10. Catuli Carl

    3 years ago

    God this is so childish.

    Imagine there’s a crowd full of people in a theater waiting to see a play and they’ve been waiting for hours now, and they can hear the playwright and the actors yelling at each other from backstage about how much money each of them get from the ticket sales.

    That’s what’s happening right now.

    Dear owners and players,

    You may own the teams and play the games, but you don’t own baseball itself. The fact that you’re making all of America and the world wait on you to watch baseball while each of you tries to get more money for yourselves is supremely arrogant, inconsiderate, and selfish. Make some compromises and play baseball.

    17
    Reply
    • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

      3 years ago

      They are trying to compromise. The problem is that the owners have tilted the scales
      Of that compromise for a long time now. Labor disputes aren’t new throughout the world. Most just don’t impact people like you directly. Be angry at the owners, not the players. The players just want what’s fair. The owners just want what’s theirs. It’s how they became rich in the first place. Rich folk like them don’t get rich by being fair.

      2
      Reply
      • Catuli Carl

        3 years ago

        Leaving meetings after 15 minutes when you don’t get what you want is not compromising. Almost all the concessions that are being made are by the owners.

        And what does “fair” even mean? Sports are the only industry in which employees are paid tens of millions of dollars and still complain about not getting enough.

        You’re operating from a flawed, romanticized leftist worldview.

        11
        Reply
        • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

          3 years ago

          And you’re operating from a significant lack of all the information. Leaving 15 minutes into the meeting leaves me asking questions, not making assumptions. I have MLB clients, including two involved with these very meetings, and plain and simple, the MLBPA is getting the run around. They’re being waited out.

          … and brining balance into a system, MLB and MLBPA, is NOT a romanticized leftist world view. The longer the imbalance and the more it shifts the wrong way the worse of a scenario it will create. Without balance, everything crumbles. Plain and simple.

          1
          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          Ok tell that to every other industry in America. I guess they’re all crumbling because the employees don’t get an equal share of the profits when their bosses are the ones taking all the risk and funding the whole operation.

          To feel like you aren’t being treated fairly when you’re making millions of dollars to play a game for a living is beyond entitled.

          You took a job and agreed on a contract that guaranteed you millions of dollars. If you want to get MLB-owner-level-rich, go start a business.

          8
          Reply
        • BabyBoyBlueDiamond

          3 years ago

          Lots of industries are crumbling because of imbalance. The middle class is shrinking at a record pace because of this imbalance.

          In regards to the players all making millions… only a small percentage of those athletes come close to making millions of dollars. Most never get their and spend 10+ years in a system trying to climb the mountain. Then with agents and the government taking their chunk, they’re looking at 30-40% gone. This major league life isn’t as glamorous as everyone assumes it to be.

          2
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          the owners haven’t made anything beyond the most token concessions. You’re making it sound like they are getting bent over a barrel which they clearly are not

          2
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          Another tired excuse about the owners taking risks…Aside from Frank McCourt can you tell me how many of these owners have gone bankrupt running their teams over the last 20-30 years?

          3
          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          Lol no they are not. Industries are not crumbling because their employees aren’t all getting as rich as the executives. That’s asinine.

          Co-ops (which is apparently what you think all businesses should be) are notoriously inefficient and fragile. Most of them collapse rapidly.

          People have been parroting the line about the middle class shrining and vanishing for a century now. It’s a platitude. Almost everyone leaving the middle class in America in 2022 has ascended, not descended. The middle class is shrinking because people are getting richer, not poorer.

          And I’ll say again what I said earlier to a comment above:

          The minimum salary in 2021 was $570,500/year. The owners just offered $615,000/year. if you’re in the bigs, that’s the least you can make.

          If you’re not good enough to make the bigs and you go broke chasing a futile dream, that isn’t anyones fault but your own.

          I’m sure you wouldn’t feel the same pity for someone who went broke by moving to Hollywood and spending a decade trying to become a movie star.

          8
          Reply
        • ohyeadam

          3 years ago

          The difference is the players ARE the product in their industry. In other industries the employees make a product/service.

          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          I don’t think they’re being bent over a barrel, but I do think they are the ones making the majority of the concessions to their employees who are a bunch of men who make millions of dollars playing game for a living.

          Labor unions are useful and good for society when a group of employees is actually being treated unfairly and unjustly by a business owner who is taking advantage of them. Professional baseball players constantly clawing and scraping for more and more millions of dollars is not a workers’ struggle.

          6
          Reply
        • Catuli Carl

          3 years ago

          No, baseball is the product. The Players are employees.

          7
          Reply
        • paule

          3 years ago

          Carrt–Players took a job and now cannot go back to work. You have a typical right-wing view that as capitalists, owners can screw employees and customers as long as they can make their profits. If the cry-baby owners are unhappy, I am willing to bet that many other billionaires will buy their team and give the sellers a huge profit.

          And btw–where else do owners have to approve the right of their competitors to enter their business?

          Reply
        • Skeptical

          3 years ago

          The product is the game, not the players. Players come and go as do owners, umpires and even ball parks, but the game remains. All players, all owners, all umpires, all announcers, etc. are replaceable.

          4
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          The owners are not really making any meaningful concessions nor are the making the majority of them. Plenty of breakdowns on this site alone have spelled that out pretty plainly .

          It’s funny to me that people get angry for players wanting more equity but justify their angry by saying “but they’re making millions of dollars!” Yes they make al to of money but that doesn’t excuse them from being limited to making more. That if anything is the non capitalist mindset not the other way around.

          2
          Reply
        • SuperSloth

          3 years ago

          Cat girl, you keep parroting the line men who get paid to play a game for a living. Well, what are the owners doing? They are trying to profit off a game as well. The owners have been taking advantage of the situation in mlb or we wouldn’t be having issues with service time manipulation. You keep wanting to equate baseball to the real world, well tell me what other industry controls where a person works for 7-8 years, and can at any moment tell them they must go work for a competitor? It seems you pick and choose how to bring in real life comps to fit your argument.

          3
          Reply
        • rct

          3 years ago

          “Almost all the concessions that are being made are by the owners.”

          …such as?

          You really need to realize that this is a lockout. It is not a player strike. This is the owners shutting things down to get what they want. This is a fact. Or are facts only allowed in my ‘romanticized, leftist worldview’?

          5
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          Any employer/employee relationship is imbalanced. Employees aren’t equal. They don’t get an equal say. Period. Once that’s accepted, progress is more likely to happen.

          3
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          are you for real with this? I’m not sure the upward mobility being such a strait line is decreasing the middle class as much as you’re implying

          1
          Reply
        • Pads Fans

          3 years ago

          McCourt sold the Dodgers for how much?

          1
          Reply
      • Cosmo2

        3 years ago

        The players want what’s fair? So top salaries above 30 million and a minimum salary of over a half million a year isn’t fair? You’re being beyond ridiculous.

        3
        Reply
        • oldoak33

          3 years ago

          Cosmo

          You don’t have to look any further than Free Agency and arbitration to determine how ownership and management quantifies production. Heck, you could even look at the draft, where amateur players are cut checks in excess of what many guys playing in the major leagues see during their entire major league careers.

          When half the league makes league minimum, and 1 WAR is valued in excess of $7mm, you’ve either been duped into watching a horrible level of baseball, or you’re watching players play for much less than they’re worth.

          2
          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          Every other sport has players salaries and befits at a guaranteed 48.8-51%. That is fair since the players are the game. What was MLB? No guarantee and the players got just 38%. That you don’t seem to read the articles you comment on nor understand the basic facts of the negotiations is “beyond ridiculous”.

          1
          Reply
    • Vizionaire

      3 years ago

      then people demand the money back for the owner who could not have figured out and more than likely didn’t pay the performers adequate money.

      Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      3 years ago

      This is the best comment I’ve seen on this site with regards to the labor dispute.

      1
      Reply
  11. gorav114

    3 years ago

    It seems in an article about the spring training start being delayed they would mention when spring training was supposed to start. February 25 fwiw

    1
    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      Spring training games were scheduled to start on February 26th.

      Reply
  12. HalosHeavenJJ

    3 years ago

    and this is why I didn’t book a Spring Training trip this year. Normally I’d be counting down the days.

    I sincerely hope next week’s talks are held with a sense of urgency and that these are the only games missed.

    That said, a great college baseball season is about to get started.

    4
    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      Here in SoCal we are going to have some great college baseball with a couple of Pac12 and a couple UC schools being ranked in top 25. Should be fun. Will get to a half dozen Anteater and Dirtbag games this season regardless of when MLB starts and both are ranked programs this year.

      Reply
  13. California Halo's

    3 years ago

    All the Greed is ridiculous. Baseball sure loves to lose fans. Most of the people I know don’t care about the game anymore. Sad.

    3
    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be commenting on a baseball rumors baseball site. Other than a handful of trolls, most here are hardcore fans.

      1
      Reply
  14. BabyBoyBlueDiamond

    3 years ago

    Daily meetings?…… huh… what a concept. Surprised no one thought of that back in December. (Since you can’t see me… I’m rolling my eyes.)

    7
    Reply
    • Redwolves3

      3 years ago

      Two options MLBPA can negotiate to increase the CBT to an unlimited amount so upper tier teams can sign or trade for premium players; or help lower tier teams to be competitive. Lol

      Option 1 – Allow the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees to sign or trade for the following players:

      Chris Bassistt, Kris Bryant, Luis Castillo, Matt Chapman, Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman, Sonny Gray, Tyler Mahle, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Matt Olson, Carlos Rodon, Kyle Schwarber, Trevor Story, Seya Suzuki, Lou Trivino;

      Option 2 – All of the above players sign or be traded to the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates.

      THIS IS JUST AS “UNREALISTIC” AS WHAT THE MLBPA HAS BEEN PROPOSING.

      1
      Reply
    • Redwolves3

      3 years ago

      I forgot to include Nick Castellanos with the group of 16 players.

      And I forgot one other thing that the teams (Option 1 – Los Angles Dodgers and New York Yankees or Option 2 – Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates) must agree to do.

      Each team must sign or trade for 4 Pitchers and 4 Position Players.

      And Correa signs for 10 years at $350 million;
      Freddie Freeman signs for 7 years at $225 million;
      Kris Bryant signs for 7 years at $225 million;
      Kyle Schwarber signs for 6 years at $200 million;
      Nick Castellanos signs for 6 years at $200 million;
      Carlos Rodon signs for 6 years at $200 million

      1
      Reply
  15. baseball1010

    3 years ago

    Reality starting to set in Fred?

    Reply
  16. AgentF

    3 years ago

    Any time I see Manfred’s picture I want to vomit. My body just gives the same kind of upheaval that a shot of Jägermeister would after about 12 cans of whatever the hell beer may have been previously consumed. I know lots of baseball players read these articles and can only hope Manfred does, as well. Quit ruining baseball!

    5
    Reply
    • Catuli Carl

      3 years ago

      I feel the same way about Tony Clark

      8
      Reply
      • AgentF

        3 years ago

        Fair enough… but is Tony Clark really ruining baseball? Changing rules that are already more than sufficient? Trying to appeal to non-baseball fans by sacrificing the things that real baseball fans appreciate?

        4
        Reply
        • Rsox

          3 years ago

          Tony Clark is a tool but it’s Manfred’s office that is constantly trying to change the game to appeal to the A.D.D. crowd. Baseball has always been a Chess match played on grass. Strategy and out-managing your opponent, a thinking man’s game. Manfred wants game clocks and Home Runs, because we cannot appreciate a pitchers duel in this day and age. Even the NHL has tried everything short of removing the goalie to boost offense because they believe that is the only thing that sells the game to people

          7
          Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          Ironically, their solution to attract these younger viewers away from other games is to try to make baseball a similar, but lesser version of other games. My question: Why would kids want to watch a game that is a poor resemblance of another game? Wouldn’t they just change the channel to the other game that is the actual game, and not a piss poor, loose resemblance?

          It makes no sense to me. Here’s another idea to attract kids: Leave politics out of baseball. Maybe they don’t want to see or hear about political activism while watching a sport? If kids don’t like baseball, you can’t fix it by turning it into basketball or table tennis. You simply have to accept they don’t like it and try to get them to engage with the sport in different ways, like maybe use some of your 12 billion dollars.

          One thing that might hurt? Having very nasty, public, greed-filled battles where you don’t want to pay their favorite players…… just saying.

          3
          Reply
  17. NWMarinerHawk

    3 years ago

    Ok

    My opening day and game # 2 tickets behind home plate are REALLY nervous now

    Cmon man!!

    1
    Reply
  18. stevecohenMVP

    3 years ago

    Color me shocked!!!

    1
    Reply
  19. prov356

    3 years ago

    I’ll be in Phoenix at the end of March. I plan to see a game or two.

    Reply
    • Darryl Rhubarb

      3 years ago

      Best of luck

      1
      Reply
    • Rsox

      3 years ago

      Suns or Coyotes?

      3
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        3 years ago

        dear goodness who WANTS to watch a Yotes game?

        Reply
        • terry g

          3 years ago

          Not me.

          Reply
  20. Tacoshells

    3 years ago

    This feels like the 2020 negotiations all over again. No hope

    Reply
    • stevecohenMVP

      3 years ago

      What 2020 negotiations?

      1
      Reply
      • 9lives

        3 years ago

        The nonsense that led to a 60 game season when it could have been much longer. That was a preview for this stupidity we’re seeing now.

        5
        Reply
        • Rsox

          3 years ago

          And many of us here said that back in 2020 that that was a sign of things to come and we were going to be in for a long winter after the ’21 season. So far it has played out exactly as we thought

          2
          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 years ago

          People forget, the 2020 schedule was entirely the fault of the owners.

          Players wanted to play a lot more games, owners didn’t.

          5
          Reply
        • 48-team MLB

          3 years ago

          2020 should have easily been 100 games.

          2
          Reply
        • FredMcGriff for the HOF

          3 years ago

          @9. I wonder if all those ridiculous cardboard cut outs got recycled that got put in the stadium seats in 2020?

          1
          Reply
  21. Bob333

    3 years ago

    2022 is done see y’all in 2023

    5
    Reply
  22. jtkuch

    3 years ago

    Petty greedy children, both sides. Why on EARTH has it it taken til this point, for spring training to be delayed, to show any real sense or urgency? There’s literally no reason for them to have not been meeting daily since the new year started, yet here we are in late Feb without a deal and things getting delayed.

    Both sides need to be held accountable for this, and they both deserve the massive hit to the sport’s credibility/popularity that will ensue. Makes me sick.

    5
    Reply
  23. Dogs for Hire

    3 years ago

    ESPN is streaming a boat load of college games this weekend. Screw MLB, MLBPA, Rob Manfred and all the horses they rode to the labor negotiations.

    7
    Reply
  24. szc55

    3 years ago

    My guess was a 4-6 week delay and then the players will whine and want to be paid for the full season. So far, the estimate is on track.

    5
    Reply
    • Redwolves3

      3 years ago

      NON-TENDER a bunch of players and listening to all the whining; and blaming the owners for letting them go.

      3
      Reply
      • outinleftfield

        3 years ago

        That is against the law. Are you trying to say that in addition to not negotiating in good faith, that the owners should break federal labor law too??

        Reply
  25. leftcoaster

    3 years ago

    They’re really testing my patience and hopefully millions more like me. Tick, tick, tick……

    3
    Reply
  26. The_Voice_Of_REASON

    3 years ago

    Great news, just wish it said ‘Until at least next year’.

    Reply
  27. Motown is My Town

    3 years ago

    I’m sticking to my opinion that we won’t see Major League baseball until Memorial Day at the earliest

    Reply
  28. Dogs for Hire

    3 years ago

    Talked to the wife and there will be NO MLB game tickets will be bought in 2022. MLB.TV went out the window also. Instead we got USD season tickets and dinner out twice a month.

    Don’t tell me there aren’t other ways to spend money.

    3
    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      You are in San Diego?

      Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      $200 for behind home plate at Fowler Park. That is what, 1 game at Petco? Maybe 2?

      Reply
  29. HubertHumphrey

    3 years ago

    I am guessing that a lot of the players are taking this opportunity to get back on the gas. Once play resumes, I predict a spike in home runs.

    1
    Reply
  30. thegamedr

    3 years ago

    All fans should show we are “unified” and tired of their stupid arguments and lack of compromise from both sides. Leave the stadiums empty on opening day.

    4
    Reply
  31. jonsteele

    3 years ago

    Serious Question;

    Do you think most people side with the owners because as a fan their loyalty is tied to a team and not necessarily the player/s? They value the sum over the parts? So they relate to the front office more than a player who may or may not be there next year? Idk just a thought.

    I say that because all the evidence seems to suggest players have been trying to negotiate and MLB really doesn’t but makes half hearted attempts and cries to the media when the MLBPA rightfully rejects their proposals; but yet it seems like a vast majority accuses players of being greedy or unreasonable because they play a game. Sure, but this game is their livelihood and they have a small window to earn all they can to set them up comfortably for life. They sacrifice a lot to get to where they are. I’m not crying for them, but let’s not pretend they just show up on game day and collect checks. It’s a very demanding job that requires tremendous skill and for that they deserve wages in line with what they bring in. As for the millionaire bit, most mlb players don’t make millions. After taxes, union dues, agent fees…it’s not like that minimum salary is extravagant. Especially for the money they bring in for owners collectively.

    1
    Reply
    • startinglineup

      3 years ago

      the avg. median household (key point) income in 2020 was 67K dollars. that means for a single person the MEDIAN income is 33.5k dollars. that’s not even the low end, directly in the middle

      i think most people are in that range we just talked about. and then see players are crying about minimum 570k dollar salaries.

      and yes, the owners make money. but they should, and they are paying you 570k dollars.

      and thats besides the point its a game. people are busting their butt for the aforementioned salaries.

      so basically i dont think people have much patience for either side. but the billionaires will still be billionaires if they stopped and the players would be out of jobs

      6
      Reply
      • startinglineup

        3 years ago

        also should add. people are also taking money out of their 33.5k dollar per year salaries to help players and owners afford their salaries!

        4
        Reply
      • rct

        3 years ago

        “and then see players are crying about minimum 570k dollar salaries.”

        Wait until you see what the owner’s salaries are.

        Absurd to blame the players. To oversimplify, if $100 million is generated and the owner takes $50 million and lets the players, coaches, and workers fight over the remaining $50 million, how is that equitable?

        To blame the players for wanting more from a pie *they* largely create is to buy into the owners’ propaganda hook, line, and sinker.

        2
        Reply
        • stymeedone

          3 years ago

          The owners aren’t the ones crying, and earn most of their money elsewhere. The players are welcome to take 2nd jobs also.

          5
          Reply
        • acell10

          3 years ago

          by that logic if the owners made their money elsewhere why be overly concerned about paying the players a more equitable share?

          1
          Reply
      • Pads Fans

        3 years ago

        Median household income is irrelevant.

        MLB is a $12 billion industry. Players received just $4.14 billion in salaries and benefits in 2021

        The players in the other major sports earn 48.8-51% of the revenue. Why would you even try to argue that MLB players should not get the same?

        1
        Reply
      • Pads Fans

        3 years ago

        Owners pay the players NOTHING. TV contracts pay them. Fans pay them. Taxpayers build the ballparks. Not a single owner pays a market value lease.

        ALL the owners do is take a cut out of that money.

        1
        Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      Surveys are showing that about 80% of fans side with the players including the poll they did on here. A handful of trolls on here are for the owners.

      1
      Reply
  32. driemer723

    3 years ago

    I feel really bad for those 20-24 year olds only making 575k a year starting out. I mean they are only making what I would in 10 years! To suggest they are not getting enough early on in their careers is only evidence of how clueless these people are to reality. They don’t play for owners, they play for the fans… too bad there isn’t a union for baseball fans that gets to be part of the negotiating, jk!

    8
    Reply
    • rct

      3 years ago

      To think the players play for the fans is a child’s mentality. They play for themselves and they play for money. By your rationale, the owners own the team for the fans and should lower ticket prices to $1 a game and allow for free streaming.

      I will never understand how people can take the owner’s side here. They’re billionaires trying their hardest to wring every single nickel out of the players’ labor.

      1
      Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      If you were willing to put in the time and effort since you were a child to do your job, you would be making that or more.

      They are not at the beginning of their careers. They have been playing baseball for years professionally before they make it to the MLB level. At the start of their careers they make less than minimum wage for 4+ years.

      All people get paid on the value they create. MLB is a $12 billion industry. Players should be paid commensurate with the value they create. Right ow they are not. MLB players get the smallest percentage of revenue of any major sport.

      That you would even try to say that they don’t deserve more shows a sad level of jealousy on your part.

      1
      Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      How about the 30 year olds in their 20th year playing the game who are making MLB minimum? In a sport that is making $12 billion per year, its truly clueless to try to say that players do not deserve to making half of that.

      1
      Reply
  33. NY_Yankee

    3 years ago

    I root for the uniform ( Pinstripes) , not players. The MLB MINIMUM is 10 times my yearly salary ( despite having a degree). A guy who is unproductive like Gary Sanchez makes over $7m a year. I do not have one iota of sympathy for the players.

    7
    Reply
    • Rsox

      3 years ago

      I agree. I follow teams, not players. Players come and go, maybe one sticks around for the duration but most are mercenaries chasing the highest paycheck. I do not begrudge the players for that, make the money while you can. But as the Patriots and their fans have learned in the past couple of years, there was life before Tom Brady and there is life after Tom Brady. The game still goes on

      4
      Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        3 years ago

        Rsox – Somewhere there’s a Seinfeld laundry joke.

        I root for both laundry and players, as long as the former players aren’t playing against my team.

        And no, there isn’t life after Brady. Thirty point losses in the Wild Card Game isn’t life to me. Steve Young isn’t walking through that door.

        1
        Reply
        • Rsox

          3 years ago

          Give Mac a chance. Do you honestly think if the NFL could do the draft over after what we saw last season that Mac Jones doesn’t go number 1 or at least top 5?

          We forget that Brady got to hold a clipboard behind Drew Bledsoe for 18 games before taking over as the starter.

          Reply
    • rct

      3 years ago

      How much money does Hal Steinbrenner make putting out a team that has not won anything of significance in thirteen years? Why hold the players and Gary Sanchez up to scrutiny while saying nothing about the owners?

      And don’t take MLB players to task because they’re making 10x your salary. That’s your problem and no one pays to see you do your job. When 25,000 people start paying $30 each to watch you put spindles into boxes 162 times a year, then you’ll be qualified to compare your job to theirs.

      1
      Reply
      • ♪

        3 years ago

        There are plenty of players whom nobody pays a ticket price to watch perform, but still get paid a lot of money.
        Otherwise I get your point, which is repeated frequently. by various posters probably.

        1
        Reply
    • Redwolves3

      3 years ago

      Steve Phillips, The Leadoff Spot said this morning that the league batting average has dropped to an all-time low of .240. And yet MLBPA is saying they deserved to be paid mega bucks!

      What happened to real baseball players hitting.300?

      2
      Reply
      • Rsox

        3 years ago

        I would be afraid to see how Tony Gwynn or George Brett would hit today if they followed todays hitting model.

        I am reminded of the movie “Cobb”;
        “With all of the great players playing ball right now, how well do you think you would do against todays pitchers?”

        “Well i figure against todays pitchers i would probably only hit around .290”

        “.290? Well that amazing, because you hit .400 a whole bunch of times. Now tell us all, we’d all like to know, why do you think you would only hit .290?”

        “Well, I’m 72 years old” (had to clean up the language and omit certain words in that last part)

        3
        Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      Yet you can’t do what Gary Sanchez does, or you would. According to articles on this site that you commented on 63.2% of major league players are pre-arbitration, meaning they make the minimum or very close to it. That is after at least a decade of intense training and playing baseball year round. That you only make $50k a year even though you have a degree is on you. We get compensated in this world based on the value we add. You obviously don’t add much value. My daughter got a $590k salary coming out of Stanford with her Masters. She obviously adds great value. I have no degree and made 3 times the major league minimum.

      1
      Reply
      • FredMcGriff for the HOF

        3 years ago

        @out. The nice thing about this site is we can claim whatever we want. You claim to make $2 million a year and I’m the tooth fairy.

        1
        Reply
  34. soxshortstop

    3 years ago

    Bummer…canceling flight to Ft. Myers and hotel reservation.

    3
    Reply
  35. breckdog

    3 years ago

    I wish they would just let the first couple weeks of spring training start. Most of those games are not televised. Allowing the players to get back on a normal schedule benefits both sides. It would shorten a loss of games and if owners wanted to continue a lockout they could do so before games start being broadcast. I just dont see a lockout as the best risk vs reward before games are playing. It creates bad press and lessens goodwill between sides that may not be necessary.

    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      That is up to the owners. They locked out the players.

      Reply
  36. Timothy Frith

    3 years ago

    On February 22, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the owners, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark and the players union will finally agree to a new CBA and put an end to the lockout after 83 days.

    1
    Reply
  37. LordD99

    3 years ago

    So the owners will now slowly begin to feel pain, and that will escalate. No coincidence that after locking out the players and then not making an offer for six weeks that the owners suddenly want to meet daily.

    7
    Reply
  38. deadthings

    3 years ago

    Just bald-faced union posturing here. I’d like to see MLBPA try to coordinate travel and COVID procedures for over a thousand players in fewer than two weeks. Fact is, time is needed for that sort of thing. I’m not siding with MLB in the labour dispute here or anything – just pointing out the absurdity of MLBPA’s statement.

    3
    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      All that is in place. No COVID procedure changes needed. Travel to Florida and Arizona is on the players. Once they are there its car or bus rides so no big deal.

      You were wrong about everything you said. Care to try again?

      2
      Reply
  39. Rsox

    3 years ago

    The MLBPA’s statement is disingenuous in its own right.

    Right or wrong on the owners for implementing a lockout serious negotiations have barely even taken place, and we are two and a half months in to the lockout. The owners basically did have to cancel those games because even if an agreement is made over the weekend there is no way the players and teams are ready to play games that quickly

    4
    Reply
    • RobM

      3 years ago

      Comments from both sides should be viewed skeptically. All posturing.

      One thing is clear compared to prior lockouts and strikes in MLB. Sites like MLBTR and FanGraphs didn’t exist informing fans, so fans are better informed today. It’s made it more difficult for owners/management to paint the players as the bad guys, and that shows up in the polling. Of course, trying to paint the players as the bad guys is always a losing hand since the players are the product. It would as if Pepsi came out and said “our product sucks, don’t drink it.”

      I’m optimistic we’ll have a deal within a couple weeks. The commitment to meet longer and daily indicates ownership is finally taking negotiations seriously after locking out the players 2 1/2 months back.

      2
      Reply
    • seanmc1983

      3 years ago

      Did you miss the part about the owners waiting 6 weeks to provide a counteroffer? The players want to negotiate, it’s the owners who have stalled, including asking for federal mediation.

      3
      Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      So you are saying that the MLBPA which has taken no longer than 3 days to respond to any proposal is being disingenuous when it was the owners that waited 43 days after the lockout to make their first proposal and then 10 after the players responded in 2 days are not being disingenuous? Whatever you are smoking, you need to stop.

      1
      Reply
  40. Unclenolanrules

    3 years ago

    So MLB owners are going to stick it to the communities their spring training facilities and games are located in, deprive them of jobs and economic boost. Classy billionaires all the way. As if those areas didn’t already get hit hard the last two years.

    4
    Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 years ago

      After the way MLB stuck it to the people of Atlanta, yanking the All-Star week away from them on short notice, does it surprise you that they don’t care about ST communities?

      8
      Reply
  41. seanmc1983

    3 years ago

    “Commissioner Rob Manfred described the lockout as a means of “jumpstarting” negotiations, but the league then waited more than six weeks to send a counteroffer to the union.”

    Just pulling that sentence out to remind anyone who thinks both sides are at equal fault, or the real crazies who think the players are to blame. On top of implementing an unnecessary lockout, the stated reason for doing so was a bald faced lie.

    4
    Reply
  42. BirdieMan

    3 years ago

    If MLB misses one regular season game, then they may as well miss ‘em all. Let both sides go hungry if they can’t figure out how to split up all that money!

    6
    Reply
  43. BaseballClassic1985

    3 years ago

    This isn’t ending any time soon.

    2
    Reply
  44. Yep it is

    3 years ago

    They also had to Postpone negations on Monday for “ Presidents Day.” Bahahaha. What a joke this league has become.

    3
    Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 years ago

      I’ve been saying for months the owners will intentionally drag out negotiations, just like they did in 2020. They don’t care about games in March or April or May.

      3
      Reply
      • Pads Fans

        3 years ago

        At almost $2 billion in revenue lost per month the owners definitely do care about games lost in all three of those months.

        They just think the players will cave once the first paycheck is lost in mid-April. They are not paying attention to history or to what the players are saying publicly.

        1
        Reply
  45. FrankRoo

    3 years ago

    Yeah it could have been prevented if the MLBPA wasn’t trying to dramatically increase the minimum salary through the backdoor $115M compensation fund they are demanding. That whole thing seems like the non starter with MLB. $115M in new spending that the MLBPA will demand to be ballooned in next CBA. Don’t blame owners at all for scoffing at that one. If that was reduced down near MLBs ask then negotiations could likely get moving. PA increasing that was just childish IMO.

    If they wanted to compromised they would demand a modest increase in min salary and bonuses paid by individual teams for ranking in rookie of the year voting and not WAR. I don’t like oh being tied to WAR as players may change their game to basically score better on the WAR exam. Get the younger players paid, but it needs to be incremental over previous CBAs.

    MLB should increase the luxury tax threshold and remove penalties for signing free agents with QO.

    Service time needs a rehaul to stop manipulation, but needs to give teams an opportunity to keep their talent that they sign/draft and spend years developing. I don’t see the current 6.75 years as being unfair when a solid player will have to be paid many millions via arbitration if the teams keeps him rostered all years.

    16 new DH positions is already a done deal it seems even though it feels like both sides made that decision without fans’ real input.

    3
    Reply
    • BaseballClassic1985

      3 years ago

      Excellent post. The new CBA just needs some tweaking of the old CBA. Players aren’t coming in from a position of weakness. This isn’t the 70s, players are extremely well compensated. I have no sympathy for them, at all.

      5
      Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 years ago

      16? Is there expansion happening I’m not aware of?

      3
      Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      That was good.
      BTW 16 new DH’s come at the expense of 16 relief pitchers unless the rosters are expanded from 26 players.
      And hasn’t MLB agreed to remove penalties for signing free agents who received a QO?
      In any event, only the team who signed the player becoming a FA should get any benefit when he goes away and then only if he is offered a comparable contract.

      Reply
      • breckdog

        3 years ago

        I see the point about there not being 16 extra jobs if you add the dh. I do no think the dh would cause a loss of pitchers though. I think it likely it would be an extra fielder lost since there is a lessened need for a pinch hitter. If you have a super utility type that can handle short and both corners, infield and outfield, then so much the better for the bench and that might even allow an extra pitcher.

        1
        Reply
        • Simple Simon

          3 years ago

          DH has lesser need for pitching changes, too.

          Reply
      • Simple Simon

        3 years ago

        15, not 16

        Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      Its 15 new DH positions and that is worth squat to the players. Most teams in the AL do not have a high priced, dedicated DH and they wouldn’t in the NL either. It would add a few million to the payrolls.

      MLB has already said they would remove the draft pick penalty for QO, but that is a tiny deal too. It only effects one or two players a year. Superstars get their money no matter whether they have a QO or not.

      To give up that tiny concessions, the owners are asking for a ridiculously low increase in the CBT and for insane increases to 50/75/100% in the penalties for going over the threshold and want to include draft picks lost and more money lost from the international free agent pool.

      Players qualified for arbitration at 2 years from 1974-2011. The players simply asked for it to go back to that. When the owners said no, they tried to make concessions.

      MLB revenue has gone up 30% in the past 5 years. Minimum salary should go up commensurate with that increase. That is EXACTLY what the MLBPA asked for.

      The owners proposed a 3 tier system that would lock in the pre-arbitration salaries, not make them minimums. That was a non-starter.

      Pretty everything you said except that the CBT should go up substantially has been wrong. Care to try again?

      1
      Reply
  46. mike156

    3 years ago

    The owners want the lockout, at least until May. These little games they are playing make it clear they think they have the upper hand, and it’s better to wait and gobble up as much as they can. They aren’t like us…they aren’t fans. It’s a business to them, a high profile one, but a business. They didn’t get rich by leaving money on the table, esthetics, or feelings of the fan base notwithstanding

    1
    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      Of course the Owners have the upper hand! Do employees control the boss?
      The game was better before the players all became millionaires.

      4
      Reply
  47. Simple Simon

    3 years ago

    MLBTR seems flabbergasted that nothing happened from December 3 to after the New Years.
    There was bound to be a shutdown of talks Christmas week through the New Years weekend. With the sides so far apart when the CBA expired — nothing had been agreed to — it would have been impossible to make any meaningful progress in the few weeks before the holidays.
    Until the MLBPA admits to themselves that major league players start getting paid at the level of the top 1% of the US people, and the high earners are receiving, collectively, enough money to buy a baseball team (Jeter did), penisenvy isn’t going to work.
    Max Sherzer’s earnings through his new contract exceed $350,000,000. How oppressive!
    Who on this blog doesn’t wish he (or she) wasn’t able to become a Major League player? The least paid person who makes it through 3 years has enough money to launch any career he wants. And all his post high school (or college) instruction, training, and experience to get to the Bigs was paid for by an Owner.
    Spend $5 bucks and get yourself a nice crying towel!

    3
    Reply
  48. 2012orioles

    3 years ago

    I’d love to see the players and owners play that game where there is one pot of money. You can press red or green. If both green, you split the money ; if both red, both get nothing; if one red, one green, red gets all. How would this play out? Owners are for sure hitting red

    Reply
  49. rennick

    3 years ago

    The response by MLBA in the 3:00 update is an example of the rampant childishness throughout negotiations. I’m no fan of the owners stance, nor their CBA offers, but statements like the one by the union only serve to create more division. No wonder these meetings only last 15 minutes. They are too busy taking public potshots at each other that it negates any effort at an actual negotiation. I know the owners have done the exact same thing in their own public statements as well. The whole thing just feels like elementary playground tactics. Just focus on building a relationship with one another for goodness sake.

    2
    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      Truth hurts. When the owners lie, they need to bee called on those lies.

      3
      Reply
  50. Camden453

    3 years ago

    Manfred makes you appreciate Bud Selig

    5
    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      You got to be kidding!

      Reply
  51. Franco27

    3 years ago

    When do minor league games start? I will do fine with college and minors. Bored with MLB players and owners. Blah blah blah

    3
    Reply
    • Pads Fans

      3 years ago

      You have said that lie before.

      3
      Reply
      • Franco27

        3 years ago

        You think so? I actually go to more minor league games than MLB games. Enjoy the College WS games. I love baseball, but want to watch players who actually appreciate the game, instead of using it for a money grab.

        3
        Reply
  52. whyhayzee

    3 years ago

    Just about every city that has a baseball franchise has an excellent orchestra. It’s as hard to get into that orchestra as it is to get on to that baseball team. These incredibly talented people have worked as hard at their craft as anyone. Even if they are in one of these fine orchestras they still spend many hours teaching students to make a decent living.

    The difference is that only 2-3% of the population is interested in classical music so there’s an extremely limited audience. If they could somehow grow their audience they would make a lot more money.

    Baseball has a much bigger segment of society paying attention and therefore paying money. So the players make a much better buck. The one big difference is longevity. Musicians last for decades, baseball players not so much.

    So it’s no surprise that players are trying to make as much as they can. Who can fault them?

    Why does the conductor look so nervous?
    “It’s the bottom of the ninth, the basses are loaded and the score is tied.”

    2
    Reply
  53. bigjonliljon

    3 years ago

    That MLBPA’s announcement was bogus. MLB had to delay due to not enough time as of now to get a deal and get going.
    As far as there claim that they didn’t need to do a lockout – also false. They had to protect against going forward with the season only for the players to choose an In opportune time to go on strike.
    Am sick of public comments by both sides playing spin the truth

    4
    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      3 years ago

      BS. All the plans are already in place at spring training and the facilities are already open. The MLB players are ready to be there on time and have said so. All the ST games are in Florida and AZ where all the games are driving distance from each other. Why would the owners need to lockout the players. The MLBPA already said that they would not play without a new CBA. It gained the owners nothing. Then to wait 43 days after locking them out to even make a proposal just shows that the owners were lying. So everything you said is categorically false.

      1
      Reply
  54. letimmysmoke55

    3 years ago

    really tired of seeing Manfred’s face

    7
    Reply
  55. cheapseater

    3 years ago

    I used to think the anti Manfred bit was a little much given most commissioners are crap but… fire Manfred.

    4
    Reply
  56. hoof hearted

    3 years ago

    We can put a man on the moon faster than getting this CBA agreed to.

    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      3 years ago

      we haven’t put a man on the moon, yet.

      1
      Reply
      • outinleftfield

        3 years ago

        A good friend of mine was the 7th man to step on the moon.

        Reply
  57. Cosmo2

    3 years ago

    Are any of the folks here who are so outraged about how unfairly underpaid players are also putting their efforts into getting raises for the security guards and vendors? Is an adult making less than a living wage less of an injustice than a short stop “only” making ten million? Seems to be how many here think.

    4
    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      3 years ago

      why is it ok for the billionaires to make billions and pay the security guards and vendors while they make billions? do players pay those people peanuts? some baseball players make millions because they have hard-to-replace talents and skills the owners make billions off.. do the security guards and venders have skills hard to replace? think once in a while!

      2
      Reply
      • startinglineup

        3 years ago

        i dont really buy it’s the talent. baseball was big in the 1920’s when players threw 80 mph. i think it’s all marketing. and mlb is super cultural and has been established in society for a long time. owners are mostly riding on the coat tails of that

        if people stopped going to the games, owners wouldn’t pay the players anything. the “talent” itself produces nothing

        1
        Reply
        • aragon

          3 years ago

          oh, thank you. give me 2 kershaws and 1 trout. and a few closers off the rack!
          yeah, right!

          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 years ago

          If it wasn’t talent, then you would do it. Go try out. Lets see how far you get.

          Reply
  58. larkraxm

    3 years ago

    So many fans commenting here thinks this about them. Watch or don’t watch. This is going to go on for a bit longer as a complex CBA is worked out. I can’t take anymore of you cry babies posting about how you aren’t going to watch anymore. I don’t care if you do or not, just quit crying on these boards about it. Just stop watching and quit telling us about it. Smell you later!

    2
    Reply
  59. brat922

    3 years ago

    And do the owners even care that another shortened ST will produce as many or more soft tissue injuries as last season had?!?! That is not the answer. Owners, you’re certainly bright enough to know the damage this will cause. Again.

    4
    Reply
  60. Pads Fans

    3 years ago

    More lies from the owners. This is getting old. Are they incapable of telling the truth?

    5
    Reply
  61. thechiguy

    3 years ago

    As Business owner…. I don’t get how people assume every day people can judge a professional players pocket and compare his life/finances to yours and even think that the owner deserves to pocket more of the pie due to players getting their market value based on the revenue generated by the sport…. If I have a new salesman and he needs help to get a sale and he receives 40% of the profit even though he didn’t pay into the product he is selling…. that just happens to be his market value.. If a guy sells 50 cars a month from the dealership down the street and wants to come work for me and his track record says he deserves more of the pie… he earned it.. he asks for 60%… he gets it… market value is simply market value… I don’t make what I make if these guys don’t do what they do… nobody coming to see me… they are coming for that Mustang and if I have to take less because the star salesman sells all the cars and the one I make more profit off doesn’t… fair trade off… Unfortunately for the people like me and you who make regular sums of money… there is not 27,000 people paying 100 bucks a day to watch any of us work…. me as the owner or my salesman… we pay to watch a sport and their market is their market… ours is ours.. owner or employee at the end of the day we are all fans or we would be on another site right now… If Sherman looses 50MM this year…. and continues to own the team another 20 years he will make that back 10 times over when he sells it… MLB Owners had money before they bought the club… they’ll walk away even richer…. If you’re trying to justify the owners already paying the players big bucks… it’s simply the market… no comparison to me and you…

    3
    Reply
    • Tomahawk Takeover

      3 years ago

      Those people also wouldn’t be working for you if there was no you. The players and owners are of equal importance. There’s not one without the other.

      4
      Reply
  62. mcmillankmm

    3 years ago

    So spring training was going to start in 2 weeks? Not buying that from the MLBPA

    3
    Reply
  63. kreckert

    3 years ago

    MLB is the keen ability to be infuriating and hilarious at the same time.

    1
    Reply
  64. Ron Tingley

    3 years ago

    Anyone defending millionaires who can’t get their act together, please send me $30 for my parking and $18×2 for my beer and throw in $8×2 for the worst boiled hot dog you can get. Also can you cover the $12×2 added fee to my bargin tickets at a cost of $27. I really couldn’t afford the $43 hat I really wanted last time, throw in some pocket change for that. Oh the plan for my team is to have parking structures replace the easy exits of the parking lots. Also I don’t mind the ten mile walk I already do. Not saying what they are negotiating is easy but I think our future holds plenty of talent. Let’s just sit out a few years and see if the league holds. If it does the kids will be ready to play for free!

    3
    Reply
  65. OneLoneGone

    3 years ago

    If I were the Owners I’d agree to unlock the players from Spring Training with an agreement with the player’s union that there will be DAILY meetings scheduled lasting not less than 8 hours up to the end of camp with the stipulation that if the new CBA isn’t in place by that date then it goes to 3rd party arbitration. That way no games are missed…no player misses his paycheck…and ultimately a final agreement is reached.

    1
    Reply
  66. Dodgerfan34

    3 years ago

    I am a die-hard fan but I am not concerned about this. What is happening is part of the negotiation process. Eventually a deal be worked out and baseball games will be played so sit back, relax and just wait for everything to settle.

    1
    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      Haha, good one!

      1
      Reply
  67. scottaz

    3 years ago

    Wait! The MLBPA says what? Spring Training does Not need to be delayed? Really? What do the players say about that? Are they willing to rush into playing without adequate ramp up time and risk injury?

    Fans were clamoring for the owners to admit that this contract negotiation has dragged on too long and both Spring Training and the start of the regular season would soon be or already was in jeapordy. Fans wanted ownership to be honest with them and admit that. So MLB does exactly what fans have wanted to hear from both sides, they announce that a new CBA won’t be in place in time for Spring Training to start on time! Finally, one of the sides is being realistic and honest with us.

    So how does the MLBPA respond to the announcement, that Spring Training does have to start late? Like a snotty nosed little bratty child, “ No it doesn’t!” What an absurd response. Grow up children. Face the consequences of your childishness.

    3
    Reply
  68. Tomahawk Takeover

    3 years ago

    The leaders of the mlbpa must think we’re all stupid. There are 10 days left in February and pitchers and catchers haven’t reported for obvious reasons. So yes, the need for delay is there to allow players to get ramped up for games. MLBPA leaders are as big of a joke, if no bigger, than the owners.

    5
    Reply
  69. midway_monster85

    3 years ago

    Both the MLB and the players union are being greedy. Something has to change and fast you have players making 35 mil a year plus. Teams like Tampa who only spend around 80 on their entire team aren’t even a suitor no way you can spend half your team payroll on one guy meanwhile you have minor leaguers sleeping in their cars because they can’t afford a place to live. Further more it’s getting to the point where the average guy can’t even afford to take his family to a game being a Cubs fan it’s $100 for a dang bleacher seat if I take my wife and two kids were at $400 for nose bleed seats and that’s just the tickets. They need to put a 30 million dollar cap on player salaries, make teams build housing complexes for their minor leaguers who need it, and these fat cat owners need to lower these ticket prices so an average guy can afford to watch a game with his family.

    5
    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      No, the Owners are not being greedy. They know how much they can give up for the poorest teams to survive with the revenue sharing agreements.
      They are not dummies: they understand ROI. If you don’t, you think they are greedy

      3
      Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      No, the Owners are not being greedy. They know how much they can give up for the poorest teams to survive with the revenue sharing agreements.
      They are not dummies: they understand ROI. If you don’t, you th.ink they are greedy

      1
      Reply
      • Yankee Clipper

        3 years ago

        You can say that again, again.

        2
        Reply
      • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

        3 years ago

        Exactly, they aren’t “greedy” they are just ruthlessly maximizing ROI without regard to anyone else.

        It’s like a fat guy who eats the entire all you can eat buffet, he’s not being gluttonous, he’s just getting value for his dollar!!!

        3
        Reply
        • Yankee Clipper

          3 years ago

          That’s why, as pro-business-owner as I am, I do not agree with the entire manner in which MLB ownership has approached this negotiation. They have been completely imprudent, imo, coming off the heels of incredibly lucrative decades for MLB. They are staunchly anti-union and clearly want to cap employee profit at all costs.

          Nevertheless, this is why unions exist. If not, MLB would be like MiLB. When unions get too strong, they hurt business too. It’s always a balance, but in this case, a strong union is needed, imho.

          1
          Reply
      • Simple Simon

        3 years ago

        Oops!

        Reply
  70. Simple Simon

    3 years ago

    The reason this isn’t settled is that the MLBPA hasn’t realized that they are the caboose and the Owners are driving the train.
    The Owners collectively “own” some $50 Billion in team equity. They are businessmen who know the bottom line – what the Pittsburghs can live with. The Big Guys need the Little Guys to have a league, Or 2 leagues.
    The PA is tooting around, making noise, but the Owners know what it will take for them to play. Ultimately, the PA has to reach that line or they start not being paid for games not played, and there will be no season until the Owners know they can make money.
    The Owners are smart about making money. The Players are, well, players, whether sophisticated or not. They have professional advisors who get paid whether there is a season or not. The longer it drags out, the more the the advisors make.
    In another 10 days, the Owners will tell them, behind closed doors, what they can live with. The Players will decide to take it or leave it. In the case of the latter, they’ll answer to their wives and families except Max Scherzer who has fleeced the Owners enough he doesn’t need his $130,000,000 to pitch 3 years at $240,000 per inning, or $80,000 per out.
    Will the players get the chance to say yes (in a non-secret ballot) we want to play for an average of $5,000,000 (+/-) per player or do we want to sit home and watch TV (with no pay)?
    Even Max will want his $130,000,000 won’t he?

    3
    Reply
  71. DarkSide830

    3 years ago

    MLB: well we cant have games if there is no CBA because, well, you know.
    the PA: and why would that be?
    MLB: …

    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      Last time they played without a CBA the Players struck in August and wiped out the World Series.
      The Post Season is the bonanza for the Owners. They won’t make that mistake again.

      5
      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      You make it sound like the players offers have been fair and reasonable. Not really. $115M pool? Raising the CBT by $40M (which would actually hurt the level of competitive play they claim they want)? Raising minimum salary by over 37%? I think the owners are being worse, but let’s not pretend the PA has been realistic in its asks.

      And yes, I know, they probably just went overboard so they had room to back down into a number. But isn’t that the same thing MLB is doing? Neither side is innocent in this.

      3
      Reply
  72. MLB Top 100 Commenter

    3 years ago

    I am sticking with my prediction that they will reach an agreement on March 24, 2022.

    1
    Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      You’re probably right. That would wipe out about 16 games for each team: 10% cut in pay for the Players.
      With the post season in tact – maybe expanded – the Owners gain much more than they “lose” in the cold early Spring games.

      1
      Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 years ago

      Manny: I disagree with you on nothing more than the premise that I selected May.

      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      I’d unfortunately let my optimistic side do the picking when this contest was announced. My day is this coming Wednesday, I think. Yeah, not gonna hit on that one.

      Reply
  73. MarlinsFanBase

    3 years ago

    Congratulations to MLB and MLBPA. You’re doing a great job for the fans! I’m completely amazed that young kids are focused on NFL and NBA players when the powers over MLB are doing such a stellar job for keeping fans.

    4
    Reply
  74. MarlinsFanBase

    3 years ago

    If we all want this to end, let’s get @MetsFan22 to predict that the season will be delayed because no CBA will be agreed upon in time.

    We know what will happen after he predicts that.

    Yep, deal within 24 hours.

    5
    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 years ago

      Lol

      1
      Reply
    • 48-team MLB

      3 years ago

      Why is it MetsFan22? It should be MetsFan36 now and that number should be rising every year the Mets don’t get it done.

      2
      Reply
  75. 66TheNumberOfTheBest

    3 years ago

    “The owners are savvy and sophisticated businessmen!!!”

    Half of the owners are silver spoons who inherited their teams and wealth.

    The extent of their business savvy was not dying before their fathers.

    2
    Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 years ago

      The extent of Hal’s business savvy was being the fourth in line after the first three children selected by George didn’t want the business. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

      2
      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      Being a silver spooner doesn’t necessarily mean being worthless at running a business. Your argument is basically, “Your father was king, so you can’t be a good king.” History is full of examples where the children matched or exceeded their already successful parents.

      2
      Reply
      • Simple Simon

        3 years ago

        As fathers, we all hope for that.

        Reply
    • Simple Simon

      3 years ago

      The team Owners mostly don’t “run” the team. They select someone (or several persons) to run the team. The team President or General Manager does understand business, if the Owner(s) don’t.
      Some management teams are smarter (Rays) than others (Mets departed Wilpon) and have better results. But they are professional managers who know bottom lines. Can you say that for the guys running the MLBPA?
      The Players don’t even negotiate their own salaries – they hire profession agents for that. The 30 team reps who supposedly make decisions are picked by their teammates, none of whom have a lick of business experience.
      They would be better off having Boras et al negotiating for them, like they do for their paychecks.

      1
      Reply
  76. ccsilvia

    3 years ago

    Fans are also annoyed that they are only haggling over money, and not a single issue that will improve the quality of the product or pace of play.

    Maybe that will happen in 2027? Not bloody likely..

    1
    Reply
    • diddlez

      3 years ago

      While I don’t disagree with you, I do appreciate what the MLBPA is doing to try to secure more money for the pre arb guys making the minimum salary. It is no coincidence that players make the minimum for 3 years, and that the average MLB player only plays for 2.7 years.

      3
      Reply
      • NY_Yankee

        3 years ago

        If the MLBPA really cared about those guys they would allow minor league players in the union ( which would actually strengthen the players association), but they want a “Closed Shop” with fewer members so the Boras clique can run things

        3
        Reply
      • Simple Simon

        3 years ago

        Minimum salary – don’t you wish you made $570,500! If you do, congratulations, you’re in the TOP 1% of Americans.
        The guys who are “hurting” financially are the majority who labor in the minor leagues for 5, 6, 10 years often with subsistence wages or less who never see a major league check.
        If the MLBPA wanted to do something useful, they would pass some of their over-pay to the players who made their life at the top possible.

        4
        Reply
        • greatgame 2

          3 years ago

          good post

          Reply
  77. pbfog

    3 years ago

    ✌⚾️

    2
    Reply
  78. bayareabenny

    3 years ago

    The last work stoppage resulted in the NFL taking over as the number one team sport in the U.S (a title they have held on to). If the season is lost or a significant amount of games MLB will fall further behind the two leading sports (NFL and NBA) as there will be no Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa to bring fans back.

    2
    Reply
    • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

      3 years ago

      MLB has already fallen behind the NBA.

      Evidently, people without AARP cards in their wallets watch it.

      Reply
  79. cheesemanforever

    3 years ago

    “Despite our best efforts…” was the funniest part of the MLB press release yesterday. Maybe I’ll try that on my wife: “Despite my best efforts, last night’s dinner dishes are still in the sink.”

    6
    Reply
  80. poppopts

    3 years ago

    I just cancelled my auto renewal option for MLB.TV. Everyone should do the same. No play, no money from me.

    5
    Reply
    • LordD99

      3 years ago

      I did the same a couple days back.

      1
      Reply
    • hyraxwithaflamethrower

      3 years ago

      Honestly, thanks for the reminder. It had totally slipped my mind.

      1
      Reply
  81. hyraxwithaflamethrower

    3 years ago

    Nice of the MLBPA to point out what’s false and what isn’t. Pretty sure most of us can look at a calendar for ourselves and determine that, at this point, it actually is jut about necessary. Even if they somehow signed a deal today, the players will need time to report, then go through some drills for a while before they’re ready for games. Earliest they’re likely to be ready to go is Mar 1 or 2nd, which is a delay. And judging from their offers so far, there’s no way a deal gets done even by March 5.

    1
    Reply
  82. athleticsdilly

    3 years ago

    My love for baseball is leaking oil. I find myself finding other ways to pass my time. Shame on both sides for taking money and fans for granted. They’ll regret this for years to come. As for Spring Training, who really cares anymore. I, for one, don’t give a damn anymore

    2
    Reply
  83. Redhomer81

    3 years ago

    They are about to lose a lifelong fan here. When I’m done I’m done. I’m out on NFL, and about to give up on what was my favorite sport to watch.

    2
    Reply
    • gbs42

      3 years ago

      I’m curious why you’re out on the NFL.

      Reply
      • carlos15

        3 years ago

        Maybe because the game is entirely political now. And it takes 3 and a half hours to play 60 minutes and they still can’t get any calls right.

        1
        Reply
  84. skullbreathe

    3 years ago

    Manfred doesn’t care about the “integrity of the game.” He’ll do whatever it takes to get his contract renewed by the owners.. That’s it.

    2
    Reply
  85. badco44

    3 years ago

    Is anyone really surprised? Really, the players don’t make anything so I’m sure they don’t care… and when you meet for 15 minutes that says a lot about the players and owners attitude’s.

    Reply
  86. saintguitar

    3 years ago

    The owners and the players need each other for them to be successful in their business. In the meantime the fans are getting tired watching them not being able to come together especially having to endure COVID and whatnot. It is about time the owners and the players, if they truly care about the fans, come together and come up with an agreement where they win some and lose some.

    1
    Reply
  87. carlos15

    3 years ago

    Rob Manfred has ruined baseball, even before the strike. He’s generating no new fans and alienating existing ones. Professional baseball is a dying league unfortunately.

    4
    Reply
    • Unclenolanrules

      3 years ago

      You are right. The league leadership is really failing left and right. The labor situation is one thing. But you are right, they are not growing the game’s fan base. Running off fans with a lockout was stupid too. Did they just never read any of the gazillion articles, books, essays and other analysis, that blamed the 1994 strike for killing many fans support for baseball?

      2
      Reply
  88. foppert

    3 years ago

    Yep. Both need to come together. The chip on the shoulder that players carry around in the MLB is lame. Almost like they look for an opportunity to be anti Manfred and anti MLB. The umpire checks for sticky substance being a prime example. Less than a 10second check of hat, belt and gloves. Quick, non invasive, no issue. But the initial carry on was like they were being asked to undergo a rectal exam. The MLBPA leader showing the way. They carry themselves that way and then expect to be given the world by the very people they direct their attitude at. Drop it and grow up. Working with people tends to get better results.

    1
    Reply
  89. spareman7 2

    3 years ago

    Well I think it is “Strike Three” for me. I’m giving up Fubo and NESN and forgetting all about the MLB after a life long love affair with them. I will find other things to do sure.

    3
    Reply
  90. Randog650

    3 years ago

    I’m not sure it really does much to bicker on which side is right. One side is not all saints and the other side sinners. For me personally, when I learned of the tax threshold levels and the escalating penalties I was surprised to see that the union had actually agreed to that in the last CBA. 214 mill is a lot of money for sure, but, to consistently compete for a WS title year in and year out it really isn’t since it doesn’t take long to be up against that tax threshold.

    To me this is where the real sticking point is in all of this. The players want a substantial raise in terms of when the tax threshold kicks in, The owners have proposed a minimal raise in terms of dollar amount and substantial increases in the penalties incurred. So teams will still be treating that as a salary cap as they had under the last CBA. If both sides are serious and will negotiate all next week, they can probably hammer out the rest of the issues but I can see this luxury tax issue being a major sticking point to getting an agreement in principle.

    Reply
  91. ❤️ MuteButton

    3 years ago

    I haven’t really been following this very much, because other than watching the games I don’t care too much about their negotiations. I care about the product. Having said that though the comments from the players Association are a turn off. If they play ball I will watch, if they don’t, whatever. Plenty of things to do in life

    3
    Reply
  92. Unclenolanrules

    3 years ago

    If the people that own the teams didn’t own the teams, they would be just another group of rich f***s. They don’t magically change their stripes when they buy a team.

    The owners are greedy, filthy rich, and they do not care who they ruin, or screw out of anything.

    If you blame the players, the union, for any of this, you need mental help. The players are working class guys, all of them, even the ones thay hit pay dirt. If a 300 million dollar contract sounds obscene to you, what would you think if you saw the owner’s bank statement?

    Unless you are a billionaire, you side with labor.

    1
    Reply
  93. RobM

    3 years ago

    It’s encouraging they’re going to meet daily starting next week, but they also shouldn’t leave after 15 minutes. That’s not meeting with intent. Lock them in at room at 8 am and don’t open the door until 8 pm. No food or bathroom breaks, but lots of coffee. They’ll be a deal by noon.

    2
    Reply
  94. KCROCKERS

    3 years ago

    Union played their trump card by saying no playoff expansion if regular season games are lost.

    Big guns on the ownership side will be in attendance for talks next week.

    Reply
  95. Pete'sView

    3 years ago

    Like so many on this site, I am weary. I’ll never abandon baseball, but over the years I’ve found my bond with teams (players and owners) waning. My Giants are infused with leadership from a known racist. Too many of the veteran players throughout the league make obscene money while their production sucks.

    More and more, this is the profile for American business, and it’s so sad. I want baseball as an escape from politics and corporate gouging. Instead we get this ongoing pissing match between the wealthy.

    2
    Reply
  96. CentralFan71

    3 years ago

    I get that deadlines produce urgency in negotiations. Glad to hear they are meeting everyday next week but they need to be long, hammer it out sessions. That is negotiating and the art of crafting a deal. Not 15 minute face to face meetings to give the other side a counter proposal and then head to the pool or hotel bar for the rest of the day. The lockout was supposed to “jump start” the negotiations but all it did was create an inevitable Clusterf### when a deal is actually struck and ratified. Without the lockout, free agency could have continued and players would have an idea of where they would be playing in 2022. Now, it is going to be complete chaos and there will inevitably be housing issues and visa issues that threaten to keep players from performing at their best in ST.

    Additionally, nice that MLB has uniformly created a full refund policy for ST game tickets but what about the cost of airfare and lodging for fans that have planned ahead for games that won’t be happening now? I mean you could say the fans should have been smarter than to book a trip during such an uncertain situation, but if the owners and players really cared about the fans, they would have had this done long ago. It is just selfish and greedy on the part of both sides. Makes me sick that these adults act this way. Get a friggin’ deal done already!

    2
    Reply
  97. tom5467

    3 years ago

    idiots. waiting until this late to do anything.

    4
    Reply
  98. outinleftfield

    3 years ago

    It takes hitters 4 weeks and pitchers 6 weeks of games to get ramped up for regular season play. At this point the soonest the regular season can possibly start is April 16th and that is if spring training games actually start on March 5th.

    Reply
    • thechiguy

      3 years ago

      Well…. Manfred says 28 days….. so he won’t be using those calculations in his effort to not miss any games if that is his main objective at this point….

      Reply
  99. KCROCKERS

    3 years ago

    Shortened spring training will mostly affect SP. Which probably means starters going 2 or 3 innings and building up from there.

    1
    Reply
  100. Tdat1979

    3 years ago

    For us old timers who remember 1994-1995 and 1981 this latest labor disagreement is going to take a toll on baseball fans. The game is already losing to the iPhone obsessed generation

    2
    Reply
    • RobM

      3 years ago

      I remember all of them, going back to 1972, although barely as I was a kid. So far nothing has been lost. No regular season games have been canceled. The sport hasn’t lost a single game to any labor actions in nearly 30 years, meaning it’s done a better job than all the other major sports. The NHL lost an entire season!

      So I understand the sentiment, but I won’t get really annoyed until I see the regular season impacted.

      1
      Reply
      • Patrick OKennedy

        3 years ago

        Right. There has already been more anger directed through social media over a few missed spring training games than fans got to vent over the cancellation of the ’94 world series and playoffs. The world of instant gratification is unkind to a a labor dispute.

        3
        Reply
    • thechiguy

      3 years ago

      <—- Old Timer…. Born in '72 though… so I knew nothing of that 1972 season until I was an adult… I lived through the rest and specifically the '94 strike carved out a life =time friendship for me and Lance Johnson because if he lived in the building my uncle owned next door to me…. That time off in late summer allowed me to get to know baseball from the inside hanging with him on a daily basis…

      Reply
  101. Teamspirit

    3 years ago

    With the popularity of baseball declining, Manfred blew it big time with his “lockdown” trying to intimidate. Fire that jerk, and get someone who can keep MLB running smoothly and fairly for everyone. Manfred is too owner identified.

    Reply
  102. metsfansince67

    3 years ago

    If there’s now a “sense of urgency” why wait to meet again till Monday? Such a farce.

    Reply
    • metsfansince67

      3 years ago

      And another thing: 15 minutes doesn’t count as a “meeting.”

      Reply
  103. Bobby boy

    3 years ago

    Well, just cancelled my spring training trip, ditched the TV package, and ordered vinyl siding for the house. When the adults finally enter the negotiations and this is settled, I’ll be listening on the radio just like when I was a kid and we were lucky to have 30 games televised. That was black and white too. Expand the garden, take the kayak out more frequently, volunteer more in my community and if I really need to see a game, college ball is close by. This situation will never lessen my love for the game. To me, it’s the most perfect game ever invented. What other sport has the defense in control of the ball? The strategy has always been to disrupt the hitters, always about pitching and fielding. My how it’s changed.

    3
    Reply
  104. Brewster 2

    3 years ago

    I’d love to see this stalemate stretch out for a couple of years just like covid. They will be begging to come to terms. Fans slowly return to a watered-down version of the game we once knew. Some will never return. Is all of the fuss really worth it? Not at all. We should all get on with our lives like nothing is happening. The players will go elsewhere to play and fans will follow.

    Reply
  105. Brewster 2

    3 years ago

    I’d love to see this stalemate stretch out for a couple of years just like covid. They will be begging to come to terms. Fans slowly return to a watered-down version of the game we once knew. Some will never return. Is all of the fuss really worth it? Not at all. We should all get on with our lives like nothing is happening. The players will go elsewhere to play and fans will follow.

    Reply
  106. PohladsHaveToGo

    3 years ago

    Why did MLB cancel spring training games? Aren’t all the minor league players in camp as they aren’t part of the union? Couldn’t they just host games with those players until MLB and MLBPA get their heads out of their asses. Let the games be free and allow the stadiums keep their people employed and earn all the concessions.

    Reply
  107. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    3 years ago

    Doesn’t matter when ST games will be delayed until at least March 5th if they can’t get a deal down by Monday.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment

    Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Braves Select Craig Kimbrel

    Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox

    White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel

    Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!

    Pablo Lopez To Miss Multiple Months With Teres Major Strain

    MLB To Propose Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System For 2026

    Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith

    Reds Sign Wade Miley, Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

    Padres Interested In Jarren Duran

    Royals Promote Jac Caglianone

    Mariners Promote Cole Young, Activate Bryce Miller

    2025-26 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings: May Edition

    Evan Phillips To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    AJ Smith-Shawver Diagnosed With Torn UCL

    Reds Trade Alexis Díaz To Dodgers

    Rockies Sign Orlando Arcia

    Ronel Blanco To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Recent

    Angels Acquire LaMonte Wade Jr.

    Blue Jays Notes: Scherzer, Varsho, Francis

    Pirates Reportedly Receiving Interest In Isiah Kiner-Falefa

    Angels Sign Ben Gamel To Minor League Deal

    Blue Jays Recall Spencer Turnbull For Season Debut

    Orioles Notes: Westburg, Mullins, O’Neill

    Tigers Notes: Vierling, Olson, Urquidy, Boyd

    Twins Place Zebby Matthews On 15-Day IL, Reinstate Danny Coulombe

    Yankees Claim CJ Alexander

    Phillies Claim Ryan Cusick, Designate Kyle Tyler

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version