Several passages in the resolution tout the significance of MiLB to the fabric and economy of the countryGETTY IMAGES
A group of U.S. Reps led by Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) introduced a bipartisan resolution "imploring" MLB to "abandon its proposal to strip major league affiliations from 42 minor league teams across the country," according to Michael Silverman of the BOSTON GLOBE. The proposed resolution is an "outgrowth of the Save Minor League Baseball Task Force formed late last year" by Trahan, U.S. Rep David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and more than 100 other representatives. The sponsors' goal now will be to "bring the measure to the floor for a full vote." Approval is "not guaranteed, but the bipartisan support suggests passage would be more likely than not, an outcome that could stiffen headwinds MLB is already facing in its contentious talks" with MiLB over a new working agreement. Several passages in the resolution "tout the significance" of MiLB to the "fabric and economy of the country." The resolution also "alludes to the antitrust exemptions that Congress has granted to MLB that feature sustaining its minor-league system." In response to the introduction of the resolution, an MLB spokesperson "expressed confidence in finding a solution and also suggested that Congress apply its energy toward getting MiLB to work with MLB at the bargaining table." An MiLB spokesperson said that the next round of negotiations is "scheduled for Feb. 20 in Dallas" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/29).
ANTITRUST AFFAIRS: In N.Y., Bradford William Davis notes the bipartisan resolution, if "nothing else," will serve as a "reminder of MLB's exemption from federal antitrust laws that have been created and upheld by lawmakers and the courts" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/29). NBCSPORTS.com's Craig Calcaterra wrote this move by Congress "does nothing substantively," adding if Congress "wants to do something substantive here it can hold hearings and take tangible steps toward eliminating baseball's antitrust exemption, which is basically the only real hammer it has in influencing the league" (NBCSPORTS.com, 1/28).
