Originally Posted by
striker42
If MLB was actually going to treat the Braves fairly, the penalty would not be that harsh. The Braves have cooperated with the investigation and actually fired the guys responsible. Never before have we seen a GM fired over Latin America signing violations.
If MLB was smart, in their statement about the sanctions they would mention how firing the individuals responsible was viewed very favorably in terms of the sanctions imposed. This more than anything would deter GMs from breaking the rules. If they knew their team could escape a lot of punishment by throwing them to the wolves, they might think twice before breaking too many rules.
A smart, fair MLB would account for the Coppy firing, declare any of the bundled players FAs (not guys like Maitan or Bae), suspend the Braves from Latin America for 6 months (year tops), and levy a small fine.
However, I don't expect MLB to be smart or fair. I think you have powerful, arrogant people who feel insulted by the Braves disregard for their rules and they want to make an example out of the Braves.
I expect we'll end up losing Maitan and more. The loss of draft picks wouldn't shock me either. I expect the suspension from international signings to be ridiculously long and I expect the fine to be absurdly large.
If I'm McGurick, I make sure the commissioner remembers the works for the owners. I'd let him know that I'd accept a fair punishment but if MLB tries to make an example of the Braves, I'd make his life very unpleasant. That I'd lead a campaign to have him fired. I'd agree to anything other teams wanted to get their support.