Last night, it was an uncomfortable rumor, and now it’s an uncomfortable reality: beset by the prospect of a continued freeze in the free agent market, the Major League Baseball Players Association has arranged for a separate Spring Training camp for free agents who want to come and gear up for the season in an organized fashion. That portends an even longer freeze out, unfortunately. You just wish this wasn’t even necessary.
Ken Rosenthal dropped the details on Twitter today about the camp, which will take place in Bradenton, Florida:
According to E-mail sent to agents, training camp for unsigned free agents will be led by former #Astros manager Bo Porter. Players’ personal trainers will not be permitted. Travel and housing arranged by union. Players given daily per diem. General liability insurance provided.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 8, 2018
Unsigned free agents will be able to report to the spring-training camp on Tuesday. The first workout will be Wednesday. The site will remain open until March 4, but based on attendance, arrangements can be made to extend until the end of March.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 8, 2018
It will be fascinating to see who arrives next week. Players represented by Scott Boras will not be there, and others may prefer to continue training on their own:
Scott Boras has no plans to send his clients to a proposed free agent camp. "Boras Corp has two sport fitness institutes with diamonds, cages and weight facilities,'' he said. "We have resources and staffing to make sure our players are prepared when they reach agreements.''
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 8, 2018
If no Boras clients go to Camp Free Agent, it's not exactly going to be a star-studded affair. Probably more fringe players hoping for a look. I spoke with one free agent recently who said he'd rather stay home and spend time with his family while he continues to work out.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 8, 2018
At the very start of camp, though, Rosenthal says you may see some players who ARE under contract showing up a the training camp as a sign of solidarity. Then they would head out to join their teams when required.
The circus continues.