2018: The Year Of The Venezuelan Trout

[Hawk]

Either way, when your leader is a figurehead negotiations are harder. They just are.

I don't think that's true. At all.

It's all about who you surround yourself with.

[chop2chip]

Either way, when your leader is a figurehead negotiations are harder. They just are.

I challenge that assertion. Tony Clark may not be a good figurehead, but his role is largely to curry public support and unify the players. I wouldn’t assume that a lawyer serves that purpose any better.

If the players want to see real change they need the premier guys to take a stand. The NBAPA started making real progress when Chris Paul and LeBron James started asserting themselves. I can’t think of one active major leaguer who has really shown any initiative.

[salmagundy]

In AAA game on backfields, RA,Jr drew a BBs then stole 2nd AND 3rd. He's wearing #2.

[Enscheff]

Does Clark have no idea what is going on, or does he have no idea how to negotiate with 'savvy billionaires'?

Two seperate beasts.

I think Clark "listens to players", and then tells the labor lawyers what to fight for. When Clark tells the lawyers to fight for more space on the ST bus because he is too dumb to know to ask for real concessions, the players end up in the position they are in now.

It is unquestionably stupid that the MLBPA allowed a salary cap mechanism without getting a salary floor mechanism in return.

The responsibility for the poor decision to fight for your own row on the ST bus and other silly quality of life perks rather than getting a bigger piece of the financial pie has to fall on Clark. Who else is responsible?

[jpx7]

It's one thing to question TC's leadership, it's an entirely other thing to make the assertion that he's going "head to head" with the owners in negotiations.

Fair point.

[AerchAngel]

In AAA game on backfields, RA,Jr drew a BBs then stole 2nd AND 3rd. He's wearing #2.

Will that fix my AWS (Acuna Withrawal Syndrome) which is a more pressing matter. 26 days till I see him is painful.

[Knucksie]

Good or not good, does anybody honestly believe Theo doesn't wish he had that contract back???

Despite all the drivel posted here about which version of WAR should be used, and none of the devotees would be able to explain during a cocktail reception anyway.

Sorry to digress. It's appropriate that Theo should be mentioned, as the whole purpose of this exercise is to win championships. Black Jesus had NOTHING to do w ith the Cubs title. Somehow, though, he was still 6.0 WAR while being benched.

[smootness]

Somehow, though, he was still 6.0 WAR while being benched.

No, he wasn't. Not even close.

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

I don't think that's true. At all.

It's all about who you surround yourself with.

Figureheads of state prove this incorrect. Incompetence can murder negotiation when it has power, even if it’s figurehead power.

[Hawk]

Figureheads of state prove this incorrect. Incompetence can murder negotiation when it has power, even if it’s figurehead power.

This is just a bit of a jump from my contention.

Do you have any examples?

Who would you label a "figurehead of state"?

[Managuarantano's Volunteers]

This is just a bit of a jump from my contention.

Do you have any examples?

Who would you label a "figurehead of state"?

Sorry, I was basically joking.

To answer seriously, it would be like the leaders of Ukraine during USSR rule and a few following it, leaders of Hong Kong over the past 15 years or so, etc. Doing their best but if they’re incompetent, bad things can still happen.

[Freshmaker]

For those interested in such things, Bovada has the following over/unders for Acuna

BA: .270
HR: 14.5
SB: 24.5

Dunno about the other two, but took the over on HRs

[Oklahomabrave]

It was reported on Twitter a few places Acuna turned down a 30 mil contract.

[UNCBlue012]

It was reported on Twitter a few places Acuna turned down a 30 mil contract.

I saw that. I'm not surprised, but I'm glad the Braves are at least reportedly trying.

Acuna obviously hears the hype, though.

[nsacpi]

It was reported on Twitter a few places Acuna turned down a 30 mil contract.

hopefully it is an opening bid and now a negotiation is under way

[clvclv]

It was reported on Twitter a few places Acuna turned down a 30 mil contract.

Discussed this morning on XM as well.

[bravesfanforlife88]

crazy that the Acuna signed a few years ago for $100k and is now turning down $30m before playing an MLB inning!

[Hudson2]

crazy that the Acuna signed a few years ago for $100k and is now turning down $30m before playing an MLB inning!

I’d take the for sure money. Bc he’ll still be plenty young enough to get a crazy deal after it’s over.

[clvclv]

Bowman reporting that the report is false.

[Skeeter31]

I’d take the for sure money. Bc he’ll still be plenty young enough to get a crazy deal after it’s over.

I wouldn’t. If I believed in my skills like he must, and had an agent that knew what he was doing, I’d wait for arbitration and get paid a bunch more than this deal would offer. And then I’d run for the hills when the contract is over for whoever will offer the most money.