The problem here is that, even if they do reach an agreement and everyone kisses and makes up, it isn't going to solve the problem. The further that they move towards a lower revenue sharing number and a higher luxury threshold, the less effective the new CBA will be. As a result, in four years, the same problems will exist. What may be even worse is that, if the Yankess are the only team to be effected (and it appears it may be only them and one other) by the luxury tax, Stein-hole already has the lawyers in gear to sue them saying it is unfair, which it probably is considering they would be the ONLY one's effected. Plus, there is the contraction issue. If they don't actively contract two teams, teams may begin to fold on their own and you can COUNT on the MLPA suing to keep them in business. That's why, IMO, a strike would be better than continuing as is or close to as is. Without any real substantive changes, the MLB will go through all of this again and again and again.
On the ESPN frontpage they are reporting that an ownership source feels a deal will be reached within the next hour. One thing mentioned is a concession by the owners that they will not contract a team until at least 2006. That is just speculation and none of that is confirmed. CK
Deal, no deal, deal, no deal... make up your freakin minds already... I'm startin to agree with others...let em strike We've got football and then b-ball coming up...who cares if they strike at this point. It is a shame tho...the 'Stros were getting so close again...oh well...
The kornheiser show reported that the Boston Red Sox just boarded their bus and are going to their game... strike averted. edit: but ESPN television hasn't confirmed it yet, so maybe the Kornheiser guys are making assumptions? I don't know, but they all said it was over. guess we'll have to wait... i love ESPN's little countdown...
RM95, That could really cause a problem for the Union.. I personally think it is time to break the union and fix baseball. If it takes a year or more...so be it. DD
ESPN says MLB agreed to not try to contract any teams at least until after the 2006 season, by the way. I see that was mentioned before now that I look closer. I guess that means we'll be seeing the first relocation of a team since 1972. Would be surprised to see the Expos still in Montreal in the next few years. Perhaps Washington, DC finally rejoins the ranks of the Major Leagues.
really??? so this is nothing more than a band-aid for a few years, huh?? that really sucks...i'd rather see the owners lock them out and get this thing solved for good.
A lockout would ruin baseball, period. Every contract runs out...this one runs out as Bud Selig leaves office. Which is a good thing.
i'm assuming both sides were planning for a band-aid to fix the problem this year b/c of the whole "striking on 9/11" issue... i think come 2006, they may finally decide to blow it up and start from scratch... i sincerely think they may have done it this year if not for 9/11.
the current economic status of MLB is ruining the game...if a lockout was met with the same result the NBA lockout was met with, I think the fans would be forgiving.
OK here we go again...Berman just came on and said that the player rep (Glavine?) just said that there will be no strike....Take it as you will...I dont know what to think anymore.
Of course, some teams seriously may not have the wherewithall to make it to 2006 if this agreement is just a band-aid, especially if the fans view the situation as just a stop-gap measure that doesn't solve any of the problems.
You watch as billionaires pocket the money that the Yankees will give to them over the next 3 years. It's ridiculous to think that these owners such as McClane, Glass, Pohlad, etc. will actually use this money on baseball operations. The thing that really confuses me, Tom Hicks, Mr. Moron, is complaining about the salaries, when he handed out the largest deal in major league baseball history. Part of it is using it on the right players, the other part is, they won't even use it. They didn't use the revenue sharing money of the past few years, and they won't use it the next 3 years. This is about reinvesting. I agree 100% with Marvin Miller. BTW, Bagwell was one of the players that wouldn't walk.
The season may be saved now, but I still think the fans are pissed. I know I am. I was rooting for a strike to solve MLB's problems, once and for all. This is merely a 4-year band-aid. Granted, they made a marginal step towards a more competitive game, but we're definitely not there yet.
