Mike's Mets - Just When I Thought I Was Out...

Just When I Thought I Was Out...

By Mike Steffanos June 17, 2020

I honestly wasn't going to write about the negotiations between MLB and the union today, but the unexpected news that Rob Manfred and Tony Clark met face to face today seems significant. So, to borrow some words from Michael Corleone, "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" We'll see if it turns out any better for me than it did for him.

While I do believe it's significant that Manfred got on a plane and flew out to Arizona to meet with Clark, I'm going to be careful not to allow myself to get overly optimistic. It's likely that Manfred's trip was driven by the incredible amount of negative publicity both he and MLB received after Manfred backpedaled on his statement from last week that a 2020 season was "100 percent certain." While it certainly is possible that Manfred and club owners are making a sincere effort to rekindle the moribund negotiations, it's just as possible that the purpose of this effort is just a feint to forestall a potential grievance by the players.

That being said, Manfred's statement after the meeting offers some promise:

At my request, Tony Clark and I met for several hours yesterday in Phoenix. We left that meeting with a jointly developed framework that we agreed could form the basis of an agreement and subject to conversations with our respective constituents. I summarized that framework numerous times in the meeting and sent Tony a written summary today. Consistent with our conversations yesterday, I am encouraging the Clubs to move forward and I trust Tony is doing the same.

After the last few days, any positive developments are welcome. I have to admit that they have my attention again. Ken Rosenthal had some details on Twitter (hat tip Craig Edwards FanGraphs)

That being said, Manfred's statement after the meeting offers some promise: At my request, Tony Clark and I met for several hours yesterday in Phoenix. We left that meeting with a jointly developed framework that we agreed could form the basis of an agreement and subject to conversations with our respective constituents. I summarized that framework numerous times in the meeting and sent Tony a written summary today. Consistent with our conversations yesterday, I am encouraging the Clubs to move forward and I trust Tony is doing the same. After the last few days, any positive developments are welcome. I have to admit that they have my attention again. Ken Rosenthal had some details on Twitter (hat tip Craig Edwards FanGraphs)

Source: MLB proposal includes:

•60 games in 70 days
•Season starting July 19th/20th
•Full Prorated Salary
•Expanded Playoffs in 2020 and 2021
•Waiving of any potential grievance

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 17, 2020

In a later tweet, Rosenthal suggests how the union might counter

One more time: Union would figure to counter, perhaps with goal of settling at 65 games. With full pro-rated salaries, that number would get players ~40 percent of their original projected earnings for 2020. Per @JaysonSt, 66 games might work best for scheduling purposes. https://t.co/Dyu3JqNCdg

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 17, 2020

I suspect that, if this indeed is going to be worked out, things would happen fairly quickly. If things stall again, I truly would be pessimistic about anything happening in 2020. And keep in mind, even if they do come to an agreement, they still have to figure out how to play ballgames in the midst of a pandemic.

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