Some were critical of Clark for last year's slow free agency period, but he had the support of playersGETTY IMAGES
The MLBPA has "voted to extend" Exec Dir Tony Clark's tenure, "keeping him in his position" through at least '22, according to Jared Diamond of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The move ensures that Clark, who took over in '13 following the death of Michael Weiner, will "remain atop the union for the negotiation" of the next CBA with MLB. Baseball’s labor relations "sank to their lowest point in a quarter-century this past winter, which featured the slowest free-agent market in history," and Clark faced criticism from fans and analysts as the "freeze-out dragged into March." But by extending Clark, the players have "made it clear that they aren’t among those detractors, nor do they blame him for the plodding pace of last winter’s market." Free agent P Andrew Miller said that if anything, player engagement in union matters has "soared over the past 12 months, resulting in the largest turnout at this week’s board meeting in many years" (WSJ.com, 11/28).
