Tampa Bay Rays amongst teams facing MLBPA grievance
The Tampa Bay Rays typically frugal ways have come under fire over the years. This time, the Rays, along with three other teams, are facing a grievance filed by the MLBPA.
Over the years, the Tampa Bay Rays have typically had a lower payroll. With minimal luck in attracting fans to Tropicana Field, the Rays have been reluctant to spend in free agency, and have traded their own players once their salaries go beyond their comfort level. The Rays prefer to build through prospects and get team friendly contracts, controlling costs as much as they possible can.
Of course, this approach does not earn them fans amongst the Player’s Union. Likewise, the union is upset with teams like the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates, who have slashed payroll in drastic ways this offseason. And then there are the Oakland Athletics, who pioneered the prospect heavy approach that the Rays employ.
With their concerns regarding how these teams are refusing to spend money, the MLBPA has taken action. They have filed a grievance to Major League Baseball, claiming that those four teams are not spending their revenue sharing money per the requirements of the collective bargaining agreement.
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Based off of the language of the most recent CBA, teams are required to spend the money gained through revenue sharing to improve the product on the field. The MLBPA is contending that those four teams are not doing so, even though that spending does not necessarily have to relate to the major league roster. International talent and adding minor leaguers can qualify.
This is not the first time this question has been raised by the MLBPA. Back in January, the union had questions about the Marlins and Pirates, given their drastic reductions in payroll. However, Major League Baseball felt both teams were in compliance with the terms of the CBA.
Even if nothing comes of this grievance, it sets the tone for what may be a contentious discussion when the current CBA runs out. Talks of collusion and a strike during Spring Training had already been bandied about, although nothing has come of that. Major League Baseball, which has enjoyed unprecedented labor peace, may be seeing that come to an end.
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The Tampa Bay Rays are among four teams that have had a grievance filed against them by the MLBPA. This could get interesting.