NEWSLETTER
I’m relieved that Kris Bryant’s service time grievance has finally been resolved and I’m obviously happy that the Cubs will retain their two years of team control – whether they put those two years to use on the field or cash them in for future value remains unclear, but the outcome was objectively good for the team. That’s not debatable.
It’s also not debatable that it’s good that it’s finally over. Everyone can definitely be happy about that. We certainly are.
But still … it feels wrong to celebrate the result of the decision.
Remember, this is was a grievance filed through and for Bryant, but on behalf of the entire players union and other players in his position. What the Cubs did may have been technically sound (and even strategically encouraged by the very rules to which the union agreed), but working around player service time to maximize team control has always felt at least a little off. And given how high-profile and perfect Bryant’s case was (a tippy-top prospect who crushed Spring Training and missed by ONE day), no one else stands a chance in the current CBA environment. The service time games will continue unabated, and that isn’t necessarily a good result.
No surprise #Cubs prevailed over Bryant in service-time grievance, as first reported by @JeffPassan. Decision, however, is still quite meaningful, setting the stage for the service-time question to be a point of contention in next CBA negotiations.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2020
Certainly this offseason was a well-timed turn in free agency for the owners with respect to upcoming CBA negotiations. But doesn't really change issues with service time, mid-tier free agency, tanking, etc. So he's not wrong. https://t.co/ljPm0yjSSK
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) January 27, 2020
"This guy wins. He does it everywhere he goes, it's a very clear pattern."@Ken_Rosenthal with the latest on the Astros' reported interest in Dusty Baker. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/O3qIoL0qc5
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 29, 2020
Update on this notebook: Tyrone Taylor told us he had wrist surgery and was good to go for Spring Training, but he may have been mistaken about the second part. We are now told he will be limited in camp and is questionable for the start of the season. https://t.co/UD6auCY6Xy
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 29, 2020
One time in high school, Patrick Mahomes threw a no-hitter against Michael Kopech.
Mahomes struck out 16 dudes. Here is what five of those dudes — including Kopech — and some other dudes remember about that day: https://t.co/e6fhLNbzcT
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) January 28, 2020
