MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark released a statement from the subcommittee which he said was “unanimously authorized” by the eight-player groupGetty Images
MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark and Deputy Dir Bruce Meyer appear to be “pulling ahead in an ugly power struggle” as the union’s major-league exec subcommittee yesterday “publicly distanced itself from Harry Marino, the former MLBPA lawyer who was leading a player challenge to the current administration," according to Drellich & Rosenthal of THE ATHLETIC. That news came on the same afternoon that Marino and former MLBPA employee Josh Thole “leveled accusations that players with critical views of current leadership have been intimidated.” Clark released a statement from the subcommittee which he said was “unanimously authorized” by the eight-player group: “We still have issues to discuss, but one thing clear among the MLB executive subcommittee members is that this is no longer a Harry Marino discussion, in any respect.” A short while before the subcommittee’s statement, Marino appeared to "at least partially distance himself from the rebellion with his own statement," one that put the "onus for change more squarely on the players." It now seems “highly unlikely that Marino will wind up involved with the union in any way,” but it is still “unclear whether other personnel changes are on their way.” The subcommittee’s statement “did not address the fate of Meyer.” Even if Meyer and Clark both remain, their strength “will be questioned by some players and agents.” At least three subcommittee members -- Tigers P Jack Flaherty, Red Sox P Lucas Giolito and Cubs LF Ian Happ -- were said before yesterday to be "supporting Marino." However, Flaherty said yesterday that he did "not want Marino to take Meyer’s job” (THE ATHLETIC, 3/24).
RELATED: MLBPA's Meyer hits back at critics calling for his job
DRAMA CLASS: USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale wrote the drama involving the MLBPA is expected to “reach a pinnacle in the next few days when players vote whether to oust" Meyer, replacing him with Marino, who “spearheaded the unionization of minor league players." This is the first time in the history of the union that the “severity of unrest has been made public with all of the world to hear,” and two years away from the next collective bargaining agreement. Clark and Meyer have “generally been praised by players and agents” for the current CBA, making "significant gains for non-arbitration eligible players," generating a $50M bonus pool and raising the raising the minimum salary by 30%. They “received ovations by many clubhouses during their spring-training tour,” and Meyer was a “fierce negotiator who constantly drew the wrath of MLB officials.” But no matter his track record, it is "clear that the majority of players -- particularly with the bulk of minor leaguers who have personal relationships with Marino -- want Meyer out and Marino to replace him.” Clark will "not fire Meyer” and is “incensed at the uproar created by Marino.” If the players get their wish, and Meyer is gone, it is "unimaginable to believe that Clark and Marino could possibly work together.” Clark has “no choice but to eventually convince Meyer to step down, inform the union that they will conduct a search over the next few months to find a successor, and Clark continues to lead the union." If not, according to the consensus of agents, "it would cost Clark his job, too” (USA TODAY, 3/24).
NO CLEAR PATH: Former MLBer and MLBPA Exec Subcommittee member Collin McHugh said the situation is "not a good thing when you’re potentially losing a lead negotiator and/or questioning executive directors." While he noted the players are "2 1/2 years out of the next CBA,” he said, "I don’t think that puts you in a position of strength." However, McHugh added "sometimes those things are necessary to move forward," and in organizations, "there’s reorgs that happen all the time, all across the country.” McHugh: “I would say it’s concerning to me to see an organization like ours -- which has put in a lot of really, really good work over the last decade to be in good standing -- be in flux right now, without a clear path forward” (THE ATHLETIC, 3/23).
