I don't understand how the MLBPA can negotiate this. Most draft picks get minor league contracts and are not part of the union. They're now having their earnings capped by two groups, neither one of whom represents them.

I don't understand how the MLBPA can negotiate this. Most draft picks get minor league contracts and are not part of the union. They're now having their earnings capped by two groups, neither one of whom represents them.

It's because the amateurs have no representation of their own, and in the case of some (e.g. college athletes), aren't even allowed to get any.

So the people that don't give a #### about the youngsters get to screw them over. It's pathetic.

_Incorrect. The fine is for aggregate spending of your first ten picks. You can go as high as you want for your first round pick as long as your total spending for your first ten is contained. That's a huge difference._

Except the bonuses get so progressively smaller that it would be practically impossible to sign some of those other picks if you're that much over the cap. 5% of a Top-10 pick is quite a bit more than a 5% shave off a 10th rounders bonus.

I don't understand how the MLBPA can negotiate this.

It's because the amateurs have no representation of their own, and in the case of some (e.g. college athletes), aren't even allowed to get any.

But don't they join the union the instant they sign a contract? [I forget-do minor-leaguers join the MLBPA, as a rule?] They're potential future union members in the least, right? Or is my idealism and naivete leaking through again, and I'll now get a Homer Simpson Lecture?

Or is my idealism and naivete leaking through again, and I'll now get a Homer Simpson Lecture?

"Lisa needs braces!"

So the people that don't give a #### about the youngsters get to screw them over. It's pathetic.

Listen hippie, Bud's cronies are sick and tired or being strongarmed and extorted by these punks and ghetto grifters just because they can toss a baseball around.

I don't understand how the MLBPA can negotiate this. Most draft picks get minor league contracts and are not part of the union. They're now having their earnings capped by two groups, neither one of whom represents them.

As I said in the "MLB, players set to announce labor deal" thread: Among other reasons, the MLBPA retains the right to collectively bargain draft issues because free agent compensation impacts MLBPA members. It's one of baseball's great ironies: The MLBPA was opposed to draft compensation from Day 1, but because it was implemented, the union retains a direct say in all draft-related issues (much to MLB's chagrin).

But don't they join the union the instant they sign a contract? [I forget-do minor-leaguers join the MLBPA, as a rule?] They're potential future union members in the least, right? Or is my idealism and naivete leaking through again, and I'll now get a Homer Simpson Lecture?

Not in the MLBPA until you have an MLB contract (on the 40 man roster).

As #8 said, the MLBPA gets to negotiate this because of draft pick compensation -- a draft pick being worth more or less changes the value of a free agent, so they should absolutely have a say in the process. But they're going to (and they should) be looking out for the best interests of the MLBPA, not the undrafted players. The undrafted players don't get a say, because as a group they don't have much leverage -- really, any leverage.

What would be fair? Well, massive revenue sharing and a return to the days before the draft -- amateur free agency. Everyone gets what their market value is, everyone has a shot at the best amateur, and with the massive revenue sharing, not only does it keep the Yankees/Red Sox from buying up the Strasburgs and Harpers, it keeps them from buying up the MLB free agents, too.

I don't understand how the MLBPA can negotiate this. Most draft picks get minor league contracts and are not part of the union. They're now having their earnings capped by two groups, neither one of whom represents them.

But, that's the very nature of a closed shop union.

I can't go to GM and agree to work for less, or more than the UAW has negotiated. The union negotiates wages and benefits for all current and future employees.

It has nothing to do with MLB being a closed shop. If the owners eliminated draft pick compensation, the MLBPA would have no say in this. And MLB would have put in a hard-capped slotting system.