The new and complete MLB CBA has yet to be released. But we know the old CBA was a 311-page document that covered such minute details as debt regulation, family security, and COLA Rounding (your guess is as good as mine on all of them).
Generally, though, the only thing we care about is how these various clauses affect the game of baseball on the field, and is my favorite team affected in any way – good or bad. The new agreement contains a few details that have flown under the radar and are waiting for implementation. Here are a few of them.
MLB CBA Says: The Season Will Have an Earlier Start Date
This is something that was pushed for by the players as a way to give them more off days during the regular season. Exactly when this happens is unknown, but basically instead of starting the season with what has become the traditional season kickoff on a Sunday night, the season will begin in the middle of the week, and thus earlier than usual.
Analysis: Well, they could have done worse by extending the season at the end further infringing on November and Turkey Day. But the overall is that West Coast teams and domed stadium teams will (hopefully) be scheduled for these early season games. Which means that their home/away schedule is likely to be “tilted” at the end of the season toward away games. And this could have a bearing on pennant races in progress. Plus, for a guy making what these guys make, the least they could do is show up for work every day like the rest of us do, saving that round of golf for December. Grade: C-
MLB CBA Says: Baseball Is Going Global
An international play plan is part of the new agreement that includes a payment schedule for potential games in Asia, Mexico (and elsewhere in Latin America) and Britain, plus U.S.-based special events such as this year’s July 3 game between Atlanta and Miami in a specially built ballpark on a military base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Associated Press)
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Analysis: The idea of exporting baseball is similar to the George W. Bush idea that America can export democracy. In theory it sounds good, but in practice the idea becomes a nightmare. And those extra off days spoken about above are likely to be eaten alive by travel to faraway places. The Brits and half the world play soccer. It’s their National Pastime. Let it be. Plus, they’re going to need to jump through hoops figuring out a start time for these games that allows the events to be televised at a reasonable time. And at the risk of sounding a bit jingoistic, it’s my game – leave it alone! Grade: D-
MLB CBA Says: The 15-Day Day Disabled List Shrinks to 10-Days
It is what it says it is.
Analysis: The disabled list has always been sort of like a toy that teams keep in the closet, and every once in a while they drag it out to play with. You have a player who needs a blow because he’s 37 years old and he’s plumb tuckered out? Or a pitcher who has some tenderness in his shoulder and he needs to miss a start? Now you can do it legally. This one makes absolute sense. Grade A
MLB CBA Says: The A’s Will Be Phased Out Of Revenue Sharing
The new agreement gives a good spanking to the Oakland A’s for hoarding the cash they are given through the revenue sharing program. It’s been kind of like the ones who sell their food stamps to buy beer instead of meat and potatoes. Other teams are suspected of doing the same thing, and like the food stamps thing it’s a hard one to catch. But the A’s were flagrant about it, so they get dragged into the woodshed to (hopefully) teach everyone else a lesson. Grade: A+