Official MiLB/Prospects Thread

[jays4life19]

MLB Lays Out Proposal To Run Minor League Baseball

 

In a virtual meeting on Aug. 27, Major League Baseball formally presented Minor League Baseball’s negotiation committee with its proposal for a minor league system for 2021 and beyond.

 

The meeting was the first formal sit-down discussion between the two sides since April 22 and it came just 35 days before the current Professional Baseball Agreement between MiLB and MLB is set to expire.

 

Much of what was in the formal proposal—which was described to Baseball America by sources with knowledge of its contents—had been previously discussed.

 

Taken as a whole, MLB’s proposal, if adopted, would be the most significant change to Minor League Baseball in at least a half century and arguably ever. MLB’s proposal would turn minor league teams into franchisees in an MLB-governed system.

 

MLB’s plan once again reiterated its goal of having 120 full-season teams (30 teams in each of four full-season leagues) and the elimination of short-season and Rookie-level teams outside of the Gulf Coast, Arizona and Dominican Summer leagues.

 

It did not include details on which teams would be among those 120 and the specifics of league structure, although it did say it will attempt to retain current classifications and league structures when possible. The list of 120 teams is expected to come later, if the two sides can come to agreement on the details of the structure and economics of a new development system.

 

The National Association (which trademarked itself as Minor League Baseball in the 1990s) was founded in 1903. MiLB has always been independent of MLB, which has provided players and coaches to MiLB teams through affiliation agreements. Under this arrangement, MLB teams pay the costs of the players and coaches and MiLB teams handle the business of operating games and providing facilities. The entire relationship has been governed for decades by Professional Baseball Agreements.

 

This MLB proposal would change that dramatically. Under this system, MLB would take over governance and all aspects of running the day-to-day operations of the minor leagues. The current PBA system would be replaced by one in which MLB operates the minors. MLB would deal with individual MiLB owners on a franchisor-franchisee system, similar to how many hotel and restaurant chains operate.

 

MLB laid out a system in which it would run the minor leagues at a guaranteed lower cost to MiLB teams. It is also promising the expectation of higher revenues for MiLB teams.

 

On the cost side, MiLB teams would continue to pay the 8.5% ticket tax (a percent of ticket sales) that they have long paid. The current ticket tax sends 8% of ticket sales to MLB and 0.5% to MiLB’s offices in St. Petersburg, Fla. Under this proposed system, the entire 8.5% would go to MLB.

 

That would be the entirety of revenues MLB would directly collect from MiLB teams. MLB is able to promise lower costs than the current system because it is promising to provide all of the services currently provided by MiLB’s national offices in St. Petersburg as well as the individual league offices without charging MiLB teams anything beyond the ticket tax. MLB would eliminate the per-level fees paid to MiLB’s national office as well as league assessments and shared expenses.

 

MiLB teams would also grant to MLB their sponsorship, broadcasting, licensing and digital rights. This could best be described as national rights, as MiLB teams would retain the ability to sell locally. Currently, MiLB teams grant many of those rights to MiLB’s offices to sell as part of national sponsorships and licensing.

 

In its proposal MLB would then split the revenues from those conveyed rights on a 50-50 basis with MiLB teams.

 

MLB would be responsible for handling scheduling, umpire assignments (and umpire development), league governance, dispute resolution and the many other day-to-day tasks that MiLB and MiLB league offices provide.

 

It even proposed a Baseball Cup which could potentially see MiLB teams face MLB teams on the field in a tournament.

 

But it also would require MiLB teams to put their fate more in the hands of MLB. MLB would govern the minors, ending the more than a century of MiLB independence. MLB’s proposal does include a minor league executive council which would have representatives from MLB as well as MiLB owners.

 

The executive council would have significant power to drive rules changes for the minors, but it would be in an advisory role. It would make recommendations for adoption by the MLB commissioner’s office, but the commissioner’s office would have final decision-making authority.

 

The system would also mandate improvements that would directly impact minor league players and coaches. In the MLB-run proposal, the requirements for quality of travel and hotel accommodations would be increased.

 

The MLB system would also change some of the rules restricting MLB-MiLB team cooperation and investment. Currently, MLB teams cannot purchase a share of an MiLB club unless it is a majority interest. Also, because of the rules around affiliation agreements, MLB teams are not permitted to cover the costs of facility improvements for a MiLB team unless they own the club. For instance, if an MLB club desires an improved weight room at its Double-A affiliate, it can request that the MiLB club install one, but it cannot currently offer to cover the cost to get the room built.

 

Under MLB’s plan, capital improvements at MiLB parks paid for by MLB teams would be permitted. MLB clubs also could become minority investors in teams. Those two aspects could be linked, as it is conceivable that MLB teams would in some cases fund facility improvements (which benefit the MLB club’s minor leaguers and allow the MiLB club to be in compliance with facility standards) and in return receive an equity share in the MiLB team.

 

Under MLB’s plan, the 120 remaining MiLB teams would receive licenses. Those licenses would replace the current affiliation agreements, which lead to some affiliation swaps every two years. Licenses would have terms of up to a maximum of 10 years (although they could be shorter, especially in cases where facility upgrades are needed). Teams whose facilities do not meet the upgraded facility requirements of this proposal would have time to make the required improvements.

 

hat 10-year maximum license is less than the 15 or 20 years that many MiLB owners have desired. There is a second aspect of the license which may meet MiLB owners’ long-stated desires for a system that preserves franchise values.

 

If a team is in compliance with terms of the license but is left without an MLB affiliate at the expiration of its license, that MiLB owner will receive a guaranteed buyout. The new affiliate will be required to pay compensation.

 

Teams that do not remain in compliance with the license requirements could lose their licenses without compensation.

 

Nothing in MLB’s proposal covers compensation for current MiLB teams left out of the 120. Throughout the negotiations, MLB has maintained that they have a contractual relationship during the PBA to provide players/coaches to minor league teams. At the expiration of that agreement, they contend they have fulfilled their obligations to MiLB teams. MLB has said during these talks that if MiLB owners want to compensate MiLB teams left out, they are free to set up a system.

 

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told the Los Angeles Times yesterday that MLB's intent is to ensure "some sort of baseball" remains in the communities that are not part of the 120.

 

Missing from the proposal is the “Dream League” MLB had proposed last year. MiLB operators had never embraced the idea and questioned its economical feasibility. Instead, undrafted players looking for another chance to prove themselves will likely head to existing independent leagues, which will have a new slate of potential markets because of the contraction of the affiliated minor leagues.

 

Thursday’s proposal was significant in that it was the first tangible, detailed proposal MLB has rolled out to an MiLB negotiating team in months. Both sides have now sent proposals to the other in the past month, a sign that as the deadline nears, the talks are heating up.

[BlueRocky]

[Grant77]

That MiLB proposal is a power grab of enormous proportions by Manfred. I'm really curious to follow the negotiations.

[L54]

 

Good. We've wasted enough time this year, lets start getting back to normal.

[43211234]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/09/03/independent-league-sugarland-skeeters-filled-void-saved-baseball-careers/5706506002/

 

 

After seeing that article I went to check in on how Kloffenstein was doing. He's had some control issues. 4.64 ERA in 9 games and 5 starts. 21.1 innings pitched with 20 strikouts and 12 walks.

http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/IndividualStats.aspx?association=78&sg=MBA&sea=BAIMBA_2020&team=21357

 

 

Also lots of familiar names in this new mini-league. Dalton Pompey is there. As is Kacy Clemens, who I think is no longer in the Blue Jays organization. The article I posted above mentions Cullen Large but I didn't see any stats for him on any of the 4 team stat pages.

[Laika]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2020/09/03/independent-league-sugarland-skeeters-filled-void-saved-baseball-careers/5706506002/

 

 

After seeing that article I went to check in on how Kloffenstein was doing. He's had some control issues. 4.64 ERA in 9 games and 5 starts. 21.1 innings pitched with 20 strikouts and 12 walks.

http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/IndividualStats.aspx?association=78&sg=MBA&sea=BAIMBA_2020&team=21357

 

 

Also lots of familiar names in this new mini-league. Dalton Pompey is there. As is Kacy Clemens, who I think is no longer in the Blue Jays organization. The article I posted above mentions Cullen Large but I didn't see any stats for him on any of the 4 team stat pages.

 

Adam Kloffenstein(total) sounds like the upgraded version of Adam Kloffenstein. Like Mecha-Godzilla. Total-Kloff.

 

It makes sense that Kloff's numbers aren't eye-popping. Some seasoned minor league veterans in that league and guys with MLB time.

[RustyTrombone]

Adam Kloffenstein(total) sounds like the upgraded version of Adam Kloffenstein. Like Mecha-Godzilla. Total-Kloff.

 

It makes sense that Kloff's numbers aren't eye-popping. Some seasoned minor league veterans in that league and guys with MLB time.

 

Its actually pretty encouraging that he's holding his own in what is basically AAA level baseball. Maybe he starts at AA next season.

[Virgil_Hiltz]

Adam Kloffenstein(total) sounds like the upgraded version of Adam Kloffenstein. Like Mecha-Godzilla. Total-Kloff.

 

It makes sense that Kloff's numbers aren't eye-popping. Some seasoned minor league veterans in that league and guys with MLB time.

 

Not knowing on what the agreement is to allow AK to pitch in this league, one would hope the Jays has some say on his pitching schedule and pitch count and medical treatments.

I guess I'm just use to hearing how some NCAA coaches have their pitchers throw 130+ pitches in a game.

 

** having said that, knowing this front office they have everything covered off. Just finding it odd allowing one of their top pitching prospects out from under their watch.

[Jonn]

 

This is amazing news. Gotta get the kids playing again.

[Slade]

Didn't see this posted yet. Doesn't really tell you much but glad to hear Martin has been getting glowing reviews.

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/prospects-at-alternate-training-sites

 

 

Blue Jays: Austin Martin, SS/OF (No. 2/MLB No. 18)

Toronto landed arguably the best all-around hitter in this year’s Draft in Martin, taking him with the No. 5 overall pick and subsequently assigning him to the team’s 60-man player pool. Though he was announced as a shortstop in the Draft, Martin’s athleticism and tools could make him a fit anywhere on the diamond, and his first reps with the organization in Summer Camp were at the hot corner. Overall, Martin has received glowing reviews for his progress at Toronto’s alternate site under the guidance of the team’s coaching staff.

[Krylian]

Didn't see this posted yet. Doesn't really tell you much but glad to hear Martin has been getting glowing reviews.

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/prospects-at-alternate-training-sites

 

That's what I like to hear.

[BlueRocky]

As he should. There was only one scenario Martin would be available at #5, and it happened on draft night. Edited September 11, 2020 by BlueRocky

[BlueRocky]

[Boxcar]

 

Josh Towers

 

Dammmmnnn

[EZe]

 

But we moved Stro too early before the deadline and didn’t get that 3rd very likely irrelevant piece.

Sometimes the media dictates the narrative leading to group think. I feel this one was especially pushed by some salty GM that missed out on the acquisition. Got to believe the Jays checked with everyone on a best and final at the time and someone wasn’t ready to raise their offer yet hoarding their bullets for the deadline.

[Krylian]

As he should. There was only one scenario Martin would be available at #5, and it happened on draft night.

 

Ya. The Orioles trying to outsmart everyone and only outsmarting themselves.

[Pendleton]

 

Kind of sounds like Josh Towers needs to chill a bit

[Jonn]

Kind of sounds like Josh Towers needs to chill a bit

 

Its not much different than all the former players in the Jays organization raving about Kendall Williams when they traded him to the Dodgers. These players that go into player development turn into hype men for these prospects.

[Boxcar]

Its not much different than all the former players in the Jays organization raving about Kendall Williams when they traded him to the Dodgers. These players that go into player development turn into hype men for these prospects.

 

Josh Towers was in the same rotation as prime Roy Halladay lol

[Pendleton]

Josh Towers was in the same rotation as prime Roy Halladay lol

 

Yeah exactly. He played in the bigs and was around as a ballboy before that, he knows better. He could pump the kid's tires without being completely ridiculous

[Laika]

Kind of sounds like Josh Towers needs to chill a bit

 

Has to be an innocent misstatement or a misquote. Probably meant the best stuff he's seen come through the affiliate he coaches.

[BlueRocky]

I dunno, maybe Simeon really is that good.

 

Lean 6-3 righty with good frame throwing 92-95, touching 97 @ 19 years old. Plus changeup, good curveball and slider. Plus control. Young for level. Swing & miss stuff and high IQ.

 

Sounds a bit like Chris Paddack?

[Jimcanuck]

I dunno, maybe Simeon really is that good.

 

Lean 6-3 righty with good frame throwing 92-95, touching 97 @ 19 years old. Plus changeup, good curveball and slider. Plus control. Young for level. Swing & miss stuff and high IQ.

 

Sounds a bit like Chris Paddack?

 

Nah, Paddack basically has two pitches. Simeon is the real deal.

[Krylian]

Nah, Paddack basically has two pitches. Simeon is the real deal.

 

Not just the real deal. The greatest ever.

[Ryu In My House]

When we traded for Simeon, the scouting reports glowed. This isn't a new thing. I thought Kay was hot garbage, but he has touched 97 mph and looks really, really good. That trade worked out amazingly well.

[EZe]

When we traded for Simeon, the scouting reports glowed. This isn't a new thing. I thought Kay was hot garbage, but he has touched 97 mph and looks really, really good. That trade worked out amazingly well.

 

Plus cleared payroll and then reallocated into FA rotation signings.

[King]

90% of the board hated the trade at the time and thought we should have gotten more. Boxcar heavily included.

[Laika]

90% of the board hated the trade at the time and thought we should have gotten more. Boxcar heavily included.

 

Do your thing King. We need quotes

[King]

Do your thing King. We need quotes

 

Gruber92

Ross Atkins is a beta male who gets f***ed consistently, in all aspects. I really hope there's something more to the trade with another team involved. The Mets farm system is who he settled on with three days left in the trade deadline? So basically, we got f***ed, AGAIN. I really hope that everybody can now agree that Ross Atkins will get us nowhere.

 

Glory

Remember the good old days when we thought we'd get a top 100 prospect at the very least? Fun times. Ugh. We traded a legit #2-3 starter who wants to be here long term even when the team is dog s*** for a package centered around Anthony Kay. This is reality guys. The Shatkins nut riders will spin this into a positive shortly. I’m actually hoping they do. I need something to cheer me up.

 

BTS

Gross. I’m getting pretty closed to being convinced that Ross Atkins is a f***ing idiot. Would not be upset if Shapiro replaced him.

 

Digital Rock

Wow..

That doesn't sound exciting.

 

43211234

My initial reaction is it's super underwhelming if it's just those two.

 

Terminator

Pathetic return

 

thatoneguy

Fire Atkins. This is ********.

 

Laika

Not a great return, fam. SWR has real upside but I'm surprised a SAL arm was the best return available for Stroman. At least he has a three letter acroname to pair with SRF. Kay seems like a backend SP prospect right now.

 

saskjaysfan

we got a back end of the rotation guy and a prospect who won't be ready for 3 years. By the time he gets up we'll be talking about trading Vlad.

 

PhillyBlueJay

Now it is time to really throw up, all those other teams needing pitching and Atkins f***s this up completely. I would have been happy with just a one for one swap of a top 50 pitching prospect from another organization. But this.... this is lottery tickets for a top 5 pitcher with one year left of control. Atkins you are incompetent and just as well you held on to Stroman for another year. What an utter disaster of a trade..... these two guys might crack a top 100 list in two years and that is a big "MIGHT". One guy is 24 and might not reach the majors until 26.

 

Grant77

This return is unacceptable, one of the worst I have ever seen at the time of the trade. Worse than the Dickey trade. Why are we treating Stroman like a Kevin Gausman/JA Happ type asset. That's the type of return we got. Good teams take a guy like Yu Darvish or Aroldis Chapman and turn them into elite prospects. That's why we are never going to be good with this regime. They can't properly evaluate talent outside of the draft and thry have proven that time and time again. I'm beyond disappointed in what they did here. It's a fireable offense for Atkins.

 

Boxcar

One of those trades that everyone loses. Why the f*** are the Mets trading for Stroman? Why did the Jays trade him for a s***** return? Atkins appears to be a s***** GM.

[King]

Here is my comments on the time at the trade -

 

"Simeon Woods-Richardson is basically like trading for the prospect equivalent of Noah Syndergaard, probably better. Pretty much a lock to be an ace just a matter of time before it happens. Casuals are just mad because we acquired an elite prospect they have never heard of. Put your agendas away, fellas. Atkins got potentially the best pitching prospect in baseball in the deal. That's a win."

 

Boxy foolishly compared the trade to the Price for Adames trade, which worked out splendidly for the Rays, as I said it would at the time. Boxy actually compared SWR to Triston McKenzie (as a negative) who is now a #1 SP for Cleveland.

Edited September 13, 2020 by King