MLBPA under fire from inside its ranks

The head of the MLBPA defended the players union Tuesday against charges that it blocked player discipline in the sign-stealing scandal.

The MLBPA found itself in an unusual position this week: under fire. The aftermath of the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal stirred criticism of the union both from commissioner Rob Manfred and —more importantly – from several of the union’s most prominent members.

Speaking at a press conference held in conjunction with the start of spring training in Arizona, Manfred said the MLBPA had wanted all players to be immune from punishment. He said that the requirement was made plain from the start of the investigation last fall.

“We wanted players to submit to interviews,” Manfred said. “They asked us whether we had a disciplinary intention. We could not rule out discipline. The union indicated to us that would be a problem.”

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Manfred’s challenge to the Association may not be surprising given the often adversary relationship between the two offices. But the drumbeat criticism as players gathered in spring camps concerning the absence of punishment of individual Astros was more surprising, especially as it suggested a fracture on this issue between the Association leadership and membership.

Players as prominent as Cody Bellinger and Mike Trout were outspoken in their belief that players should have been punished.

I don’t agree with  the punishments, the players not getting anything,” Trout said, “It was a player-driven thing.”

Until this week, the MLBPA maintained a position of silence on the sign-stealing scandal, but Manfred’s assertions – in concert with the outrage expressed by players – prompted Association chief Tony Clark to address the issue Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, the MLBPA issued a statement reiterating that under terms of the existing basic Agreement, MLB lacked the power to impose discipline.

“Players were never notified of the rules to begin with,” the statement read. It also noted that in past cases, “MLB had stated that Club personnel were  responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules.”

Wednesday morning,  addressing the issue during a meeting with players at Port St. Lucie, Fla., Clark elaborated.

He said the Union’s responsibility “is to protect the rights of every player,” adding, “I’m not going to apologize for defending player rights. I understand the concern and ire. But we are going to do the same for every player that wears a major league uniform.”

Notably, Clark left open the possibility for continued negotiations related to disciplinary rights either now or as part of the writing of a new Basic Agreement when the current one expires at the end of the 2021 season.

“Written proposals have been exchanged, and we have made it clear to MLB that no issue is off the table, including player discipline,” Clark said…

He said the union “understands the need for discipline going forward.”