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“Tell us when and where.” - MLBPA statement. Over the weekend, negotiations on a 2020 MLB season exploded on social media, with the Players’ Association flatly rejecting MLB’s latest proposal for a season, before Major League Baseball responded by saying that they would consult with ownership to, “... determine the best course to bring baseball back to the fans.”
“We demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday, June 15.” - MLBPA.
So yeah, this is going great. Will MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred just impose a number of games and a start date now? How will the MLBPA react? We’ll find out soon. For now?
Go read your links...
NATS BEAT:
Nats confident in ability to sign quality undrafted free agents starting today - (MASN)
"Nationals assistant general manager and vice president of scouting operations Kris Kline is not seeing the landscape altered as much as some college coaches might predict."
‘This guy just has it’: Cade Cavalli brings big arm, leadership to Nationals – (The Athletic)
"When Sooners assistant coach Clay Van Hook’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, it was Cavalli who head coach Skip Johnson asked to lead the team in prayer."
Gio Diaz has signed as a free agent with the @Nationals! After hitting .396 as a junior, Diaz signs with the defending MLB champions on the first day non-drafted players are eligible to sign with clubs. Congrats, Gio! #GaelsRise
— Saint Mary's Baseball (@SMC_Baseball) June 14, 2020
Full release ⬇️https://t.co/vYKLiNtrYB pic.twitter.com/MwblRyxzT7
The Nationals have signed infielder Gio Diaz on the first day clubs can ink undrafted free agents to up to $20,000. The agreement was announced by @SMC_Baseball. Diaz was having a really good junior season this spring before the pandemic cut it short.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) June 14, 2020
MLB vs MLBPA:
Chance for deal seems dead after statements by MLB, players - (MASN)
"Whatever sliver of hope remained that Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association might find a way to come together and negotiate a reasonable settlement to their ongoing fight over salary structure appeared to go up in smoke Saturday night..."
Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark today released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/d1p3Oj4K70
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) June 13, 2020
Major League Baseball has issued a statement in response to the MLB Players Association asking the league to set a schedule for the 2020 season rather that continue discussions on a return-to-play scenario. pic.twitter.com/a27ODsmplQ
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 14, 2020
MLB's latest response to players continues ugly cycle - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Hours after the Major League Players Association delivered a statement anchored in the idea the league can kick rocks, the league itself turned back to a public dispatch in order to frame the narrative as it sees fit."
Buster Olney on jabs between MLB, union: ‘Nobody wants to hear it’ - (NBC Sports Washington)
“'Max [Scherzer] is one of my favorites, he’s a legitimate perspective,' Olney said. 'I just don’t think it’s helped either side to spill out into the public forum.'"
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
How shortsighted greed is tearing baseball apart - (ESPN)
"With a resolution now at least three weeks too late, and counting, the industry is becoming a punchline for sports dysfunction..."
The story of Vladimir Guerrero's Expos tryout ⚾️ Mismatched shores and a big arm @VladGuerrero27 https://t.co/pfMgqfz3LF
— Montreal Expos ⚾️ (@Montreal_Expos) June 14, 2020
NL EAST UPDATES:
‘It seems perfect:' Ocean City senior makes dream a reality, signs with Phillies - (nj.com)
"A 6-foot-7, 230-pound left-hander, McKenna signed a free agent contract Sunday morning with the Philadelphia Phillies."
Trade to Mets in 1983 was 'new challenge' Keith Hernandez needed - (Newsday)
"Hernandez said he eventually would have found a new goal to reach for with the Cardinals, because the team still was good and there is nothing quite like a pennant race."
Miami Marlins Fantasy Superlatives: Future Ace Sixto Sanchez & More Sleepers to Watch - (Sports Illustrated)
"The Miami Marlins may not be world-beaters just yet but they've got a plethora of young talent brimming on the edges of most fantasy baseball leagues."
Reviewing Braves’ solid but unexciting 2020 draft - (AJC.com)
"The Braves’ haul (or rather, basket) included four college players: Lefty Jared Shuster (No. 25), outfielder Jesse Franklin (No. 97), righty Spencer Strider (No. 126) and righty Bryce Elder (No. 156)."