MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark on Thursday after meeting with "dozens of players," including the MLBPA Exec Board, "disputed the notion that players were getting a lesser share of the revenue pie" than the owners, according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Clark said, "Despite what you may have read or heard at any given time, the quote-unquote ‘player share’ is as close to 50-50 as it has been in a long time." Shaikin notes there is "no mandate for players to receive a designated percentage of revenue." The current CBA expires in December '16, and Clark said that he "expects negotiations on a new one to start" during Spring Training. The players "could ask owners to increase the luxury tax threshold, which some clubs have used as an unofficial salary cap." They also are expected to "discuss a wide range of issues during the contract talks, from how owners share revenue and whether qualifying offers should be modified to scheduling, travel, safety and international play." However, Clark "sounds confident that owners and players can strike a new deal without the threat of a work stoppage" (L.A. TIMES, 12/4).
LESS IS MORE? Clark said that the timing "could be right for elevating" the question of if the league is "willing to dial back its schedule from 162 games" to 154. He said, "There is momentum in the industry, collectively ... to ensure everyone is in the best position possible to perform at the highest level possible." Clark added that the number of demands on players "is growing." In San Diego, Bryce Miller notes season-launching international trips to places such as Japan and Australia, the increase in night games and more "has stretched those suiting up" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/4).
