Acting MLB Commissioner Bud Selig told MLB GMs at their
annual meeting in Scottsdale, AZ, that owners "would soon make a
new labor proposal to the players union," according to this
morning's MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Selig denied reports
owners and players are engaged in a game of "chicken" in which
neither side makes an offer and the owners hold out until
players' salaries fall further. Selig: "Both sides get hurt by
waiting." However, Selig offered no timetable for an offer,
saying only "sometime in the near future." He added that he sees
a "much more mature and sophisticated understanding on both
sides" and that there "absolutely" will be revenue-sharing after
a new labor deal (Tom Haudricourt, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL,
11/14).
PAYROLL NUMBERS: Payroll figures for the 28 MLB teams were
presented to the GMs yesterday. Computed by MLB's Players
Relations Committee, the numbers show overall payroll at
$897,848,013 -- a $19M rise from '94. However, Murray Chass
notes that figure is based on more players this year than last.
The average salary ($1,089,621) is 5.6% less than '94. Final
awards bonuses were not figured into the figures (N.Y. TIMES,
11/14). THE NUMBERS FOR EACH TEAM:
Yankees $54,889,849 Giants $33,656,183
Reds 46,763,886 Astros 33,539,668
Orioles 46,439,636 A's 31,367,722
Braves 46,423,444 Phillies 29,583,350
Blue Jays 41,833,500 Tigers 28,322,167
Indians 39,088,500 Royals 28,108,834
Rockies 37,964,871 Cardinals 27,461,500
Red Sox 37,002,750 Padres 24,801,334
Mariners 36,819,610 Marlins 22,786,781
Dodgers 36,480,201 Pirates 17,379,333
White Sox 36,435,782 Brewers 17,057,384
Rangers 35,601,226 Twins 14,509,000
Angels 33,802,667 Mets 13,040,444
Cubs 33,731,834 Expos 12,956,557
TAKING EXEMPTION: Tracy Ringolsby notes the significance of
MLB's antitrust exemption on franchise stability (ROCKY MOUNTAIN
NEWS, 11/12). But Peter Gammons notes Selig says two or three
MLB teams will relocate in the next "couple of years." Gammons
says Montreal is one, and a Bay area team is another (BOSTON
GLOBE, 11/13).
