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Atlanta Braves wait to play as MLB and MLBPA bicker

By Fred Owens

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred must decided on appropriate disciplinary action for Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred must decided on appropriate disciplinary action for Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) /
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AThe Atlanta Braves are on-deck to play, let’s get a plan agreed quickly please. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

MLB is determined to play, and unless the MLBPA strikes, Atlanta Braves games will take place, the question is how many and for how much.

As Joel Sherman tweeted earlier today, there are a few points that seem abundantly clear in every proposal made by MLB.

  • MLB wants – needs – a season of some kind
  • MLB owners feel they cannot afford the proration in the agreement without fans
  • Any season must end in September.
  • MLB is willing to make concessions on free agents

The union already won concessions on almost everything they ask for; their sole focus is money, and that’s short-sighted at best.

Even if the MLBPA doesn’t admit (or recognize) it, their members need a season as much as MLB. These aren’t plumbers or electricians who go on strike and fall out of public view. Baseball players are seen as affluent, even if the majority are not. With millions across the country, and the world, out of work, players earning a base rate of $535K a year will get zero sympathy should they refuse to play.

More from Tomahawk Take

A player on minimum wage would still earn about $94K in a 76 game season included with a full postseason and around $67K without a postseason; if they don’t play, they earn nothing.

I’ve pointed out in the past that the MLBPA is run by, and for, the richest players; those who can afford to take a year off. While the highest-paid members lose larger dollar amounts, they have the resources to withstand it. The union’s position fails to help its lowest-paid members.

MLB’s internal calculations created a maximum amount they are willing to commit to payroll. Jess Passan calculates that number at roughly $1.432 billion. Any number with billion after it is huge when potential income is at best uncertain

Player risk

Jorge Castillo reports (Twitter link) that MLB is now asking players to sign an acknowledgment of risk.  Players feel this is a move to undermine any challenges to MLB’s provision of a safe workplace.

MLB provided a list of ways they plan to protect the players in any season, and the MLBPA agreed to those plans. If the MLBPA feels a team or MLB failed to abide by the agreed rules, a grievance for failure to provide a safe workplace is still valid; no acknowledgment of risk absolves an employer from the duty to keep employees as safe as possible

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