MLB and the MLBPA are working on new sign-stealing rules to restrict in-game video accessGETTY IMAGES
The Astros' sign-stealing scandal gives MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark a "prominent issue to help drive home his point" on how technology has changed the league's culture, and the questions he poses to players and owners on what they want the game to look like "may help define" the upcoming CBA negotiations, according to Evan Drellich of THE ATHLETIC. Clark earlier this week said, "This culture that exists, against the backdrop of technology, is manifesting itself in a way ... that we need to have a conversation about what our game is and what our game looks like." Drellich noted an opportunity for the MLBPA "may be emerging in a post-Astros scandal world: a chance to question the league about the mindsets and approaches of front offices." What remains unknown at this point is "what adjustments could be made." Drellich: "What changes can the union reasonably ask for and receive during collective bargaining to influence front-office behavior?" If there are any solutions, they "won't be developed and agreed upon for some time." The league and the union are "working on new sign-stealing rules to restrict in-game video access," but those rules are "not expected to include other major changes beyond that issue" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/24).
