Larry Stone writes about service time manipulation in the wake of comments about Jarred Kelenic by Kevin Mather of the Mariners.

That’s why the format for determining service time must be changed, as Boras told Times reporter Geoff Baker this week — to remove that temptation. There have been innumerable proposals for doing so, including Boras’ idea to use an independent panel to review promotion decisions that impact service time. Others include lessening the number of days needed to accrue a full season; making free agency based on age, not service time; and instituting a system of restricted free agency as in the NHL and NFL.

SeattleTimes.com

Or, just cut out service time altogether. Unless the system is “everyone is a free agent at age X”, the only system that would be totally free from manipulation is one of universal free agency. If every season with an MLB appearance counts as a season, players will be kept in the minors longer. If total time in professional baseball counts, players will be drafted at an older age. You’re a free agent whenever your contract is up is the fairest way to pay the players.