Number 7 :
Posted January 17
Here is how I would "fix" MLB and settle the upcoming labor negotiations :
1. Eliminate all deferrals .
2. We don't need a salary cap but we do need a Floor. This will spread the signing of free agents to ALL teams and not just five or six. There are only 30 teams and if you can't spend at the minimum sell and get out. This makes all teams better.
3. Have a "Cap Tax" that is 2 times the floor. Say the floor is 200 million then the "Cap Tax" starts at 400 million and is 100 % tax on the overage and the teams first round pick in the next seasons draft. The tax stays the same each year but more draft picks are lost for habitual abusers.
4. TV and radio revenue share. 40 % of every teams media revenue is put into a pot and distributed to all the teams.
5. No more draft gimmicks. Worst team drafts first etc. Given the "Floor" tanking is less likely.
6. Eliminate the international signing period and have a second Draft instead or roll both drafts into one.
7. Each year the Final four teams must offer a portion of the 40 man roster to the non playoff teams. This would be two rounds. The World champion can freeze 25 players, the runner up 30 players and the other two 35 players Each. It would be an exciting event at the conclusion of the year and help teams be competitive.
8. Arbitration is limited to years 4 and 5 and players are free agents after year five. No draft pick lost or gained.
9. Rosters expanded to 28 and pitchers to 15 to help wear and tear. We need out star hurlers on the filed and deeper bullpens help smartly managed teams.
11. Eliminate the runner on second ( larger rosters assist this) until the 13th inning.
10. Make the contract 10 years.