I just received this press release from the MLB Players Association:
The following joint statement was issued today by the Major League Baseball Players Association, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball and the Florida Marlins:
The Basic Agreement requires that each Club use its revenue sharing receipts in an effort to improve its performance on the field. This requirement is of obvious importance to all players, Clubs and fans of the game. In recent years, the Union has had concerns that certain Clubs have not lived up to this requirement, and has consulted regularly with the Commissioner’s Office about those concerns. The Florida Marlins are one of a number of Clubs that have been discussed.
After extensive discussions, the three parties are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement regarding the Florida Marlins’ continued compliance with Article XXIV(B)(5)(a) of the Basic Agreement.
MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner said:
“In response to our concerns that revenue sharing proceeds have not been used as required, the Marlins have assured the Union and the Commissioner’s Office that they plan to use such proceeds to increase player payroll annually as they move toward the opening of their new ballpark. Today’s agreement, which covers the period 2010 through 2012, calls for ongoing communication among the Marlins, the Commissioner’s Office and the Union as the Marlins proceed with that plan. It also permits, after consultation among all parties, adjustments in the Marlins’ plan to respond to unforeseen developments, and calls for arbitral intervention if disagreements arise. We greatly appreciate the willingness of the Commissioner’s Office and the Marlins to engage with us and ensure that all terms of the Basic Agreement are met.”
Marlins’ President David Samson said:
“The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field and our record supports the fact that we have been successful in that regard. Throughout the discussions, the Marlins maintained that there had been no violation of the Basic Agreement at any time. While we know that the Marlins will always comply with the Basic Agreement, we were happy to work cooperatively with the Union and the Commissioner’s Office on this matter.”
MLB Executive Vice President, Labor Relations Rob Manfred added:
“The Basic Agreement contains confidentiality provisions that preclude the parties from publicly discussing the specifics of the Marlins’ finances. There will, therefore, be no comment by any of these parties on any further specifics of this agreement. All three parties agree that the Basic Agreement provision on the proper use of revenue sharing dollars is an important part of our agreement. Today’s announcement is the product of a positive dialogue between the MLBPA, the Commissioner’s Office and the Club.”
This sounds like the Marlins were put on notice. I’m guessing that some of the big revenue clubs who supply Florida with money are very happy with this agreement, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they sided with the union on this one. Since the Marlins owners are solidly in the Bud Selig corner, it’s pretty impressive that the commissioner’s office would agree to this.
The commissioner’s office doesn’t have much choice. If it is part of the collective bargaining agreement, there isn’t much the commish can do.
This was probably offered in part to avoid a collusion suit. The players can not be too happy with this FA season, and the union needed something to give the players to avoid having to do something more drastic. The union and players could care less about the big revenue clubs except for the fact that it gives them less money to spend on players. The Marlines spending 10-20 million more, which they would do anyways in 2011 preparation for their new park opening in 2012 does nothing much for the players.
Most folks are still under the illusion that unions have the players best interest at heart. Union leaders know where their bread is buttered, and the workers are easily deceived when the deception comes from the union leaders (not so easily when it comes from management). In China, every company is required to have their employees unionized. Thats how they control the workers, as the union leaders must be party members.
ptodd; I’m fairly not sure that the example of Chinese unions is self-evidently relevant.
Also, the MLBPA has consistantly done rather well for its veteran members. It’s the not-yet-members in the minor leagues that it sells out.
With all due respect, the Commissioner’s former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, took millions upon millions in revenues sharing and did nothing to improve the team. So have the Pirates and the Royals, for that matter.
Singling out the Marlins, who have won TWO world championships in the last fifteen years, is laughable. No team has done a better job of maximizing the tiny amount they spend, no team has had a tougher time dealing with the lack of fan support, and they should hardly be alone in these half-assed efforts to make teams spend the revenue sharing monies that teams such as the Yankees have agreed to provide.
If anything, the league should have been doing this ten years ago, while Bud Selig was stuffing $18 million dollars a year into his bank account.
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