Southcack77
Well-known member
The fact a team can call itself "file and trial" proves they can negotiate after numbers are submitted. The fact the numbers submitted by both sides are posted on MLBTR weeks in advance proves both sides know what those numbers are.
Imposing the "file and trial" mandate allows the team to weaken the player's overall bargaining position. It is much more costly for a player (both on a financial basis, and a personal basis, as shown in Folty's case) to attend his arb hearing than it is for a team to send a couple lawyers they already have on retainer. Therefore, the player is more inclined to concede his position before the file date than the team is.
It is nothing more than a systematic way to suppress labor wages. All over $100k. The Braves should be ashamed.
The Braves probably use outside counsel for these arbitrations -- they used to use a big name out of California, so rest assured they are paying significant fees to go fight over this money.
You are right that the file and trial is a strategy the Braves have chosen and the intention is almost certainly to pressure players and to depress salary.
I just don't like it was over so little money, but the Braves have always been a team anxious to do their best to keep down player compensation -- thus their old unwillingness to sign above slot.