Thursday came and went with little to no news regarding negotiations between MLB and the MLBPA regarding the 2020 season. There is still time for a deal but with no further talks scheduled, it is reasonable to not feel super confident. We have discussed in this space the many reasons both sides have for making a deal, but for now, neither appear ready to budge.
Which brings me to a great column by Jeff Schultz in The Athletic on Thursday who lays out the many reasons that if we don’t have a 2020 season, place the blame on the owners, not the players.
I know it is easy to identify with players who are paid very well to play a kid’s game. However, it is the players who are assuming the most risk in 2020 and have already agreed to to one pay cut. The owners refuse to open up their books which would paint a much more prosperous picture than what they are presenting in negotiations. The league has seen record profits in the billions the last couple of years. This isn’t the year for that, it is time to cut a deal for the good of the game.
The MLBPA held a board meeting on Thursday and remains steadfast in turning down any further salary reductions by the league.
Here is Tony Clark's full statement after the MLBPA's leadership meeting today. pic.twitter.com/JRYaddbQSU
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 5, 2020
Atlanta Braves News
Thursday’s Starting Nine column wrapped up Cory McCartney’s look back at the 10 players and managers to have their numbers retired by the Braves. The final installment takes a look at the Hall of Fame career of left-hander Tom Glavine.
Our series on possible extension candidates for the Braves continued on Thursday with a profile on Max Fried.
MLB.com’s David Adler took a look back at how Harvard-Westlake teammates Max Fried, Jack Flaherty and Lucas Giolito all went on to have breakout seasons on the mound in 2019.
MLB Draft
In the lead up to the 2020 MLB Draft, MLB.com is taking a look at each team’s best first-round picks. For the Braves this is easy with Chipper Jones who was taken No. 1 overall back in 1990.
MLB Pipeline looks back at the most hyped left-handed pitching prospects of the past 20 years. Mike Minor gets the nod for the Braves who took him with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 MLB Draft.
Our draft preview continues with a look at the 50 best outfielders in the 2020 MLB Draft.
MLB News
The Athletic’s Eno Sarris takes a look at how teams will handle player development with no minor league season in 2020.