One day after a roller coaster of events in the MLS collective bargaining agreement negotiations, we now have a new CBA in place. Earlier this evening, it was announced that the league and the players union had agreed to a new five year deal that will take the two through the 2019 MLS season.
While it's brought happiness to the fans with the knowledge that there will not be a work stoppage, not everyone is happy with the deal (including apparently Sporting KC's representatives who according to sources voted against the deal). Overall it seems like both sides gave things up to make sure that the season took place, as Nat Borchers put it, "it's not perfect, but it's progress..."
The deal will apparently see players get a measure of free agency, players that are at least 28 years old AND have at least eight years of experience in the league will be eligible for free agency. For Sporting Kansas City what that means that they'll have three players that meet the requirements after the 2015 season; Chance Myers who is entering his eighth season in the league this year, Paulo Nagamura, who is entering his 11th season in the league, and Jacob Peterson who is entering his 10th season in MLS. The deal isn't ideal for some players in the league, specifically homegrown players who sign with the league when they are younger and will have to play 10 or more seasons before they hit the required threshold. Most of those players though won't hit either threshold by the time this CBA expires. It does hurt a few players like Luis Gil and Diego Fagundez who will hit the service limit of eight years but won't be close to the age limit for free agency, but the level of free agency that would have been given was never going to reach a level to help them out in this cycle.
The other big news of the CBA that came out was an increase in the league's minimum salary. The salary will go up from about $37,000 to $61,000 a nice increase for those players near the bottom of the league's roster. For Kansas City, the likes of Kevin Ellis, Jimmy Medranda, and Erik Palmer-Brown will all see a decent bump in their pay check in the 2015 season. It's also good news for the club's four rookies Saad Abdul-Salaam, Amadou Dia, Connor Hallisey, and James Ansu Rogers, who were all likely to be close to or under the new minimum of $61,000.
With the new salary minimum, the salary cap is set to go up. Reports don't appear to be as high as some people expected as it sounds like it may only go up to $4 million a year. It won't give teams a ton of extra cap space to spend in the 2015 season.
With the deal done there will be a lot of dissecting of the new agreement over the next weeks and months as information comes out, but the thing for sure is that the season kicks off Friday, and Sporting start things on Sunday.
Showing posts with label collective bargaining agreement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label collective bargaining agreement. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
CBA Rollercoaster (and van der Vaart)
One thing this offseason that I've avoided much talk about at least on here is the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The main reason I have has mainly had to do with the fact that it really isn't my area of expertise. I've never been part of a union, nor have I ever been part of labor negotiations so I don't feel comfortable being the one to talk about it much. On Twitter I have been retweeting a number of articles about the on going negotiations. But now, less than 24 hours before the Chicago Fire are set to depart for LA ahead of the 2015 season opener, the talk regarding the CBA has really heated up and been a roller coaster to follow all day.
The big news today really started with reports that a strike was growing more likely, and while the players union didn't have the funds in their coffers to survive an extended work stoppage, reports came out that other players' unions would get help from other sports unions to boost their strike fund. A move like that would certainly signify the union's intent to dig in and stand firm.
That report was followed by more disappointment and worry about the season as more reports came out about the league rejecting the union's compromises and that Clark Hunt is the main hardliner on the owners' side of things. There were even reports of fee agency discussions that were tilted well in the owners' favor. Thirty-two years old with 10 years of experience with that one team was pretty laughable, as only one active player actually would meet that requirement after this season, Brad Davis. Kansas City has never even had a player play 10 years with the club, the closest being Kerry Zavagnin and Eric Kronberg who were both with the club for nine years of their playing career. That report though proved to be some old information and that options had improved since than.
Things took a more positive turn later in the evening with further reports on the CBA. The free agency aspect was still there, and had been improved to 28 years old with 8 years experience, which didn't have to be with the same team. But with the give and take, the increase a player could get over their current contract was only 10% of their contract.
The length of the new CBA is also something that's become a point of contention as the owners want to have an eight year CBA, three years longer than the current one. If a solution is going to come and save the first week of the season, it is going to need to come soon.
I, like many people fall more on the side of the players in this situation. I understand that free agency could bring a challenge to MLS' single entity again, but I feel this may be the time to lose some of that. I don't think the players are going to get full free agency, from the ESPN article, I think they may be able to get a few years of service knocked off the offer, but the owners likely won't want to knock the age down further, but it's something we'll have to wait and see, the doomsday clock has hit 11:58 and things aren't sounding too good right now.
For those curious, Jacob Peterson is the team's union representative, but for the current negotiations, Benny Feilhaber, Chance Myers, and Graham Zusi are also in New York at this time.
Van der Vaart news
Sam McDowell added more information to the discussion of Rafael van der Vaart to Kansas City. McDowell confirmed Sporting's interest, and got new quotes from Robb Heinman regarding the move. Heineman did shoot down the $4.8 million offer KC was reported to make, was untrue, and stated that there has not been a discussion of price.
The big news today really started with reports that a strike was growing more likely, and while the players union didn't have the funds in their coffers to survive an extended work stoppage, reports came out that other players' unions would get help from other sports unions to boost their strike fund. A move like that would certainly signify the union's intent to dig in and stand firm.
That report was followed by more disappointment and worry about the season as more reports came out about the league rejecting the union's compromises and that Clark Hunt is the main hardliner on the owners' side of things. There were even reports of fee agency discussions that were tilted well in the owners' favor. Thirty-two years old with 10 years of experience with that one team was pretty laughable, as only one active player actually would meet that requirement after this season, Brad Davis. Kansas City has never even had a player play 10 years with the club, the closest being Kerry Zavagnin and Eric Kronberg who were both with the club for nine years of their playing career. That report though proved to be some old information and that options had improved since than.
Things took a more positive turn later in the evening with further reports on the CBA. The free agency aspect was still there, and had been improved to 28 years old with 8 years experience, which didn't have to be with the same team. But with the give and take, the increase a player could get over their current contract was only 10% of their contract.
The length of the new CBA is also something that's become a point of contention as the owners want to have an eight year CBA, three years longer than the current one. If a solution is going to come and save the first week of the season, it is going to need to come soon.
I, like many people fall more on the side of the players in this situation. I understand that free agency could bring a challenge to MLS' single entity again, but I feel this may be the time to lose some of that. I don't think the players are going to get full free agency, from the ESPN article, I think they may be able to get a few years of service knocked off the offer, but the owners likely won't want to knock the age down further, but it's something we'll have to wait and see, the doomsday clock has hit 11:58 and things aren't sounding too good right now.
For those curious, Jacob Peterson is the team's union representative, but for the current negotiations, Benny Feilhaber, Chance Myers, and Graham Zusi are also in New York at this time.
Van der Vaart news
Sam McDowell added more information to the discussion of Rafael van der Vaart to Kansas City. McDowell confirmed Sporting's interest, and got new quotes from Robb Heinman regarding the move. Heineman did shoot down the $4.8 million offer KC was reported to make, was untrue, and stated that there has not been a discussion of price.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sporting KC Announce New PBP Announcer and Other News From Heineman Interview
Robb Heineman made an appearance on Between the Lines with Kevin Kietzman and made one big announcement and dropped news on other announcements coming. The main reason for his appearance was the announcement that Nate Bukaty will become the team's new play-by-play announcer for the club. Heineman said the move had to do with the club's commitment to being local. It also addresses Heineman's earlier comment about someone who will be here for the long term. I know that Cal Williams had high hopes for his career and while I'll definitely miss hearing him on the call, or even just having a in depth soccer talk with him in the Members' Club, I understand the move from that aspect. As long as Bukaty's play-by-play doesn't go full Brad Feldman or Shep Messing homer talk I should be able to survive the move.
In regards to the broadcast, Heineman also mentioned other work that they are trying to do. The club will keep Jake Yardrich on the broadcast team last year. After spending the past few seasons as Williams' color analyst, Yardrich moved down to be the sideline reporter in 2014. Heineman also mentioned that the club is current talking with a former player about returning to the team as well to fill out the broadcast team.
The second half of the interview moved more to on the field player movement. Heineman admitted that the moves made were motivated both by the poor finish to the season and salary cap considerations. He put the trade of Aurelien Collin firmly into the cap consideration move, explaining that with the deal Matt Besler signed during the summer, KC didn't want to put that much of the cap into just the center back position for the team.
Heineman did mention that there was some other movement that was done, including a new goalkeeper. The assumption with the goalkeeper is that it is Chilean, Luis Marin, who is linked with a move to MLS and Kansas City. Marin, from the highlights I've seen looks like he should fit in well and looks comfortable with quick distribution, which is something I think that KC could do more to exploit next season against teams. After his tweet over the weekend, Heineman also confirmed that the team would be making a formal announcement on the re-signing of Dom Dwyer. This on the surface would appear to be the biggest move that the team has made of the offseason. Not only does it keep Dwyer in KC, it also means that should he continue to do well and teams in England come after him, the price KC can command goes up because of how long the team has him locked up.
The final bit of player news that Heineman brought up was that the team was signing another forward to be Dwyer's back up. Kietzman didn't touch on it, but the fact that Heineman said that a forward was being brought in to back up Dwyer would seem to signify that Claudio Bieler's tenure with the club is going to be ending in the near future. With Dwyer signing a new contract, and how much that contract will be, having a designated player as his back up would continue to be a mistake for the club.
In the final bit of the interview, Heineman talked about the league currently and where it stands. One thing that he brought up was that the league needs to clean things up. The example he specifically brought up was the playoff system. The league has had a new playoff system almost every year that it's been in existence, and with the rumored expansion to six teams from each conference, it could very well be changing again next year.
Heineman also talked about the transparency of the league, mentioning that the league needs to explain things more to fans with regards to the league. This has been one of the big complaints from fans was the inability to follow the league as closely because of the lack of transparency in how things are done in the league.
So it seems we could be in for a busy week of information from the team.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Re-Entry Draft Rules
Today MLS released the rules for the new Re-Entry draft that was part of the latest CBA that was agreed to on the eve of the MLS season. This is to help avoid a situation like Kevin Hartman fell into last year where the Wizards weren't going to re-sign him, but since they held his MLS rights another team could not get him without trading the Wizards for his rights because they'd made an offer for him.
Now there is a system set up so that if a team is not making a "Bona Fide Offer" then the player will go into the first stage of the re-entry draft. What's a "bona fide offer?" It's an offer to the out of contract player that meets the following minimum conditions according to Soccer America: (1) for “25/4 players,” contains a first-year salary at least equal to the player’s 2010 annual base salary and for “30/8 players,” contains a first-year salary at least 5% greater than the player’s 2010 annual base salary; (2) a term of 1+1+1; (3) option year salaries that increase by at least 5% each year; (4) performance bonuses that are at least the same as the performance bonuses in the previous year of the player’s contract; (5) for purposes of Stage 1, this offer must remain open from November 30 until at least December 3 at noon EST; and (6) for purposes of Stage 2, this offer must remain open from December 8 until at least December 13 at noon EST.
If the team that owns the players rights does make one of those offers, then the player goes into the Stage 1 draft, where other teams can draft a player at their "bona fide offer" price or their option price if the team doesn't make an offer or pick up the option. If the player is not selected in stage 1, the original team has the option to sign the player to a new contract or perform a sign and trade. If players are not re-signed then, then they go back into the Stage 2 of the draft where they are exposed with no presupposed contract requirements. If a player is selected in Stage 2, clubs have 7 days to sign the player to a contract. Players not taken in either draft can then negotiate with any team. Confused yet?
Stage 1 of the Re-Entry draft is on December 8th, while Stage 2 is on December 15th.
So for an example, as SA said, Wizards defender, Jimmy Conrad is out of contract. As a guy that meets the 30/8 requirement, a bona fide offer from the Wizards would be 105% of his 2010 base salary of $232,750. Which means KC would need to offer him a contract of $244,387. If they don't offer him that he'll go into the Stage 1 draft where other teams can offer him that contract. If he's not selected then, then KC can work to sign Conrad to a new contract for a different price, or sign and trade the defender. If that doesn't work than Conrad goes into Stage 2 where he can be picked by another team without having to offer him a certain contract.
While I love Jimmy's contribution to the team in his years with the club, at this point in career, I don't think he's worth that amount, he's been a fantastic servant to the club and became one of the best defenders in the league, but at this point in his career, it's hard to justify giving him almost $250,000 a year in a contract. I have my doubts we'll see the Wizards make a "bona fide offer" for Conrad, but who knows. It will be interesting to see how this breaks down and how this draft works.
Now there is a system set up so that if a team is not making a "Bona Fide Offer" then the player will go into the first stage of the re-entry draft. What's a "bona fide offer?" It's an offer to the out of contract player that meets the following minimum conditions according to Soccer America: (1) for “25/4 players,” contains a first-year salary at least equal to the player’s 2010 annual base salary and for “30/8 players,” contains a first-year salary at least 5% greater than the player’s 2010 annual base salary; (2) a term of 1+1+1; (3) option year salaries that increase by at least 5% each year; (4) performance bonuses that are at least the same as the performance bonuses in the previous year of the player’s contract; (5) for purposes of Stage 1, this offer must remain open from November 30 until at least December 3 at noon EST; and (6) for purposes of Stage 2, this offer must remain open from December 8 until at least December 13 at noon EST.
If the team that owns the players rights does make one of those offers, then the player goes into the Stage 1 draft, where other teams can draft a player at their "bona fide offer" price or their option price if the team doesn't make an offer or pick up the option. If the player is not selected in stage 1, the original team has the option to sign the player to a new contract or perform a sign and trade. If players are not re-signed then, then they go back into the Stage 2 of the draft where they are exposed with no presupposed contract requirements. If a player is selected in Stage 2, clubs have 7 days to sign the player to a contract. Players not taken in either draft can then negotiate with any team. Confused yet?
Stage 1 of the Re-Entry draft is on December 8th, while Stage 2 is on December 15th.
So for an example, as SA said, Wizards defender, Jimmy Conrad is out of contract. As a guy that meets the 30/8 requirement, a bona fide offer from the Wizards would be 105% of his 2010 base salary of $232,750. Which means KC would need to offer him a contract of $244,387. If they don't offer him that he'll go into the Stage 1 draft where other teams can offer him that contract. If he's not selected then, then KC can work to sign Conrad to a new contract for a different price, or sign and trade the defender. If that doesn't work than Conrad goes into Stage 2 where he can be picked by another team without having to offer him a certain contract.
While I love Jimmy's contribution to the team in his years with the club, at this point in career, I don't think he's worth that amount, he's been a fantastic servant to the club and became one of the best defenders in the league, but at this point in his career, it's hard to justify giving him almost $250,000 a year in a contract. I have my doubts we'll see the Wizards make a "bona fide offer" for Conrad, but who knows. It will be interesting to see how this breaks down and how this draft works.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CBA Details
MLS announced today some more details for the new collective bargaining agreement that was agreed upon on Sunday. Lots more details are out today, and although there are still some questions, there's a lot to look at. Ives has some of the highlights, especially some that I really like as well. Here are the ones that I really liked.
The salary cap will increase to $2.55 million, and will increase by 5% each season after this one.
Guaranteed contracts for all players over 24 with at least 3 years experience.
Minimum salary for senior roster players is now $40,000.
The reentry draft that MLS has set up sounds really interesting and I'm looking forward to what MLS will do with it, I think it's a positive step and a good compromise for the players that want to avoid a situation similar to what happened to Kevin Hartman and Dave van den Bergh.
The thing that I probably like the most about the new deal is that the league will work the players union in a committee to re-launch the reserve league. Personally I think getting younger, end of the bench players time in some form or another in at least semi-competitive games. The reserve league I think if in place consistently the reserve can only help to develop the players.
The salary cap will increase to $2.55 million, and will increase by 5% each season after this one.
Guaranteed contracts for all players over 24 with at least 3 years experience.
Minimum salary for senior roster players is now $40,000.
The reentry draft that MLS has set up sounds really interesting and I'm looking forward to what MLS will do with it, I think it's a positive step and a good compromise for the players that want to avoid a situation similar to what happened to Kevin Hartman and Dave van den Bergh.
The thing that I probably like the most about the new deal is that the league will work the players union in a committee to re-launch the reserve league. Personally I think getting younger, end of the bench players time in some form or another in at least semi-competitive games. The reserve league I think if in place consistently the reserve can only help to develop the players.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
CBA DONE!
New 5 year agreement has been announced today by the league in a teleconference. The new CBA will give the players more money, improved quality of life for players, greater players' rights, and greater ability to move. For the first time ever, the majority of the players will have guaranteed contracts. For those that didn't know, Jimmy Conrad was on the Players Union's executive board. There will be some form of "reentry draft" for players who are out of contract and not picked up by their team. It sounds like it may be similar to the old MLB free agent reentry draft. The guaranteed contracts will be based mainly on the length of time in the league. A full release is coming later today. Bring on the season!
MLS CBA Agreement Appears Close
MLS and the MLS Players Union have announced that they will be hosting a joint conference call today at noon central time. They will be discussing the collective bargaining agreement. If word from the AP is true, it sounds like it will be very good news. The AP is reporting that MLS and the MLSPU are close to a new 5 year CBA. This will avoid a strike that was set to start Tuesday morning at midnight to keep Philadelphia Union players from getting on a flight to Seattle for the season opener on Thursday night. One think that could have had a big effect (last paragraph in that article) on the negotiations is the fact that the league has stated health care benefits will be cut off for the players on March 31st if there is a strike. Certainly not something the players, would have wanted to happen.
While we won't know the final details of the agreement for a little while most likely, one has to wonder how a resolution was reached on the big issue of the discussions, free agency. The players had stated previously that they wanted freedom of movement within the league. In the past few days, the owners have started to come out and speak on the topic as well saying the league would not be getting free agency and a strike could very well kill the league. The past two days the two sides have been meeting for long hours in DC with a mediator. Wizards player union representatives Jimmy Conrad and Josh Wolff have been in DC for the negotiations. It will be interesting how these two sides that appeared so far apart reached an agreement on the free agency issue.
MLSnet is carrying the audio from the conference call. Andy Williams of Real Salt Lake has tweeted the deal is done.
While we won't know the final details of the agreement for a little while most likely, one has to wonder how a resolution was reached on the big issue of the discussions, free agency. The players had stated previously that they wanted freedom of movement within the league. In the past few days, the owners have started to come out and speak on the topic as well saying the league would not be getting free agency and a strike could very well kill the league. The past two days the two sides have been meeting for long hours in DC with a mediator. Wizards player union representatives Jimmy Conrad and Josh Wolff have been in DC for the negotiations. It will be interesting how these two sides that appeared so far apart reached an agreement on the free agency issue.
MLSnet is carrying the audio from the conference call. Andy Williams of Real Salt Lake has tweeted the deal is done.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Strike Appears Much Closer
The start of the 2010 MLS season looks to be in deep jeopardy after all the news that has come out today regarding the collective bargaining agreement. For those that missed it, the players union has voted overwhelmingly in favor of supporting a strike. The final tally was 350+ to 2 in favor of supporting it. Quotes from players in different articles posted today don't sound too encouraging either, and form the sounds of it, the players are planning to walk out at midnight on March 25th, the day the season is supposed to kick off. The league and the players union have since gone back and forth trading comments about the recent news of a potential strike. The fans are getting stuck in the middle.
And while many people support the players and there want to have more freedom within the league, just as many seem to be support the owners. And with unemployment still hovering close to 10%, it's going to be hard for the players to win over some of those fans that support the owners. And for a history lesson on soccer strikes in this country, check out the end of this Sports Business Daily article for information on the NASL strike that was one of the reasons for the leagues demise. The quote from Steve Gans is very telling because it's still as true today as it was then, "not enough people cared about it to keep the momentum going. The critical mass wasn’t there; there weren’t enough roots set down." Hopefully a strike doesn't happen, but at this point I'm not holding my breath on that.
And while many people support the players and there want to have more freedom within the league, just as many seem to be support the owners. And with unemployment still hovering close to 10%, it's going to be hard for the players to win over some of those fans that support the owners. And for a history lesson on soccer strikes in this country, check out the end of this Sports Business Daily article for information on the NASL strike that was one of the reasons for the leagues demise. The quote from Steve Gans is very telling because it's still as true today as it was then, "not enough people cared about it to keep the momentum going. The critical mass wasn’t there; there weren’t enough roots set down." Hopefully a strike doesn't happen, but at this point I'm not holding my breath on that.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Watson Gone, More TV News, and Other KC News
Lots of different bits of news out today from the Wizards. First, the Wizards have continued to make over their roster as they have waived midfielder/defender, Lance Watson. Watson was a starter for much of the last season, starting 19 games, mainly at right back. Late in the season, though, Watson lost his place to Jonathan Leathers. It seemed to mainly coincide with Peter Vermes taking over the Wizards. To show how much of a make over the Wizards have had in the past few years, Watson was actually the 4 most tenured player with the Wizards before being waived, and he'd only been with the team since 2006.
Along with Watson's departure, the Wizards have let Alexei Casian and Shahriar Dastan go from the team's preseason roster. Casian had been with the team since the beginning of preseason, the same as his countryman, Igor Kostrov, but apparently didn't impress enough as Kostrov. Dastan, the Iranian defender, had only joined the team on their return to Arizona.
Today the Wizards announced the news that was on TV last night, that the Wizards will have all their games this year in High Definition on KCWE. The team also announced who would be doing the broadcasts in the booth. On play by play will be a member of KC's press staff, Dave Borchardt, on color will be someone familiar to Wizards fans, former Wizard, Sasha Victorine, who returns to KC after spending the last season and a half with Chivas USA.
While today was supposed to be the MLS roster deadline day, and the Wizards did make a roster move, that deadline has been moved. This extension comes as talks between the league and the Players' Union continue to talk about the collective bargaining agreement.
Along with Watson's departure, the Wizards have let Alexei Casian and Shahriar Dastan go from the team's preseason roster. Casian had been with the team since the beginning of preseason, the same as his countryman, Igor Kostrov, but apparently didn't impress enough as Kostrov. Dastan, the Iranian defender, had only joined the team on their return to Arizona.
Today the Wizards announced the news that was on TV last night, that the Wizards will have all their games this year in High Definition on KCWE. The team also announced who would be doing the broadcasts in the booth. On play by play will be a member of KC's press staff, Dave Borchardt, on color will be someone familiar to Wizards fans, former Wizard, Sasha Victorine, who returns to KC after spending the last season and a half with Chivas USA.
While today was supposed to be the MLS roster deadline day, and the Wizards did make a roster move, that deadline has been moved. This extension comes as talks between the league and the Players' Union continue to talk about the collective bargaining agreement.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
No Strike...... Yet
There was no new extension to the CBA negotiations between MLS and the Players' Union today as the dead line is at midnight tonight. Still, without a deal being reached, there will be no strike, at least not yet. The League has already stated that they wouldn't be locking the players out, but they restated that again today saying; "We have told the union that the league does not plan to lock out the players and we are prepared to begin the season under the current CBA while we continue to bargain to reach agreement on a new CBA."
The Players' Union has responded to the lack of a new deal as well saying; "We have advised our players to keep working for the time being, but as of Friday they will be doing so without a CBA." In the same statement the MLSPU says that they are still working to make changes to the way MLS does things.
I still don't know how much change the MLSPU will get, the owners seem dead set against giving into the union's biggest demand, free agency. Former Wizards goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman has become one of the poster boys for this with the Wizards moving on from him, but still holding his rights since they offered him a contract. Although some of the players quotes are a little out there. For instance, Chris Klein's quote that Hartman is "out of options," which simply isn't true. Unlike the NFL, MLB, or other leagues, there are plenty of other leagues players can go to to play, including ones in the US. Hartman could pull a Steve Ralston and play in the USSF division 2, Hartman could likely get a similar contract as Ralston did.
The Players' Union has responded to the lack of a new deal as well saying; "We have advised our players to keep working for the time being, but as of Friday they will be doing so without a CBA." In the same statement the MLSPU says that they are still working to make changes to the way MLS does things.
I still don't know how much change the MLSPU will get, the owners seem dead set against giving into the union's biggest demand, free agency. Former Wizards goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman has become one of the poster boys for this with the Wizards moving on from him, but still holding his rights since they offered him a contract. Although some of the players quotes are a little out there. For instance, Chris Klein's quote that Hartman is "out of options," which simply isn't true. Unlike the NFL, MLB, or other leagues, there are plenty of other leagues players can go to to play, including ones in the US. Hartman could pull a Steve Ralston and play in the USSF division 2, Hartman could likely get a similar contract as Ralston did.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Elephant in the Room
I've been ignoring the big gigantic elephant in the room regarding the MLS collective bargaining agreement for a little while now, hoping that if I ignored it it'd work itself out and go away. But it hasn't gone away, and it's time for me to pull my head out of the sand and realize this is a very big issue. The twice extended labor talks between the league and the MLS Players' Union are coming close to their deadline of February 25th and it appears the two sides are still far apart on one key point, free agency. Apparently the latest set of talks have broken down as neither side wants to budge on the issue. The owners are dead set against allowing it, while the players don't appear willing to settle without it. The Wizards player union rep, Jimmy Conrad is quoted at length in an ESPN piece about the issue saying that unless things change, a work stoppage appears inevitable.
Each side is now trying to win the battle in the media it would appear, as in response to the players' comments, the league has come back with counter claims to what the union says is going on in the meetings. There are a lot of quotes from MLS President Mark Abbott about the negotiations in that article and what they are trying to do. Based on what the league is saying, it appears that if there is a work stoppage, it will be from a players' strike, not a lock out. That's based on the news that the league is willing to start the season under the rules of the expired CBA (which the league can do based on the rules of the current CBA that state the terms remain in effect from year to year unless the other side is notified in writing 60 days prior to the expiration or renewal of the agreement. (page 9)). What that means for the players, is that they'll have to be the ones that walk out, and in doing so they will likely keep themselves from being able to play in other leagues as they'd still be under contract to MLS.
That could really hurt players like Jimmy Conrad, Roger Espinoza, Chad Marshall, Robbie Findley, and multiple other players who have hopes of making their countries World Cup team for this summer's tournament in South Africa. A work stoppage could kill any of the players' chances of making the cup, and certainly something that weights on some of those players' minds.
Right now it would appear that the league is the one holding the better cards after the statement that they're willing to work under the old CBA, but the union has come back again with another response to the league's statements. With more of this out in the media now, this looks like it could start to get really ugly as each side tries to win the media war. From what I've read by fans, there seems to be a fairly even split on which side people support, but all definitely don't want a work stoppage. The next 4 days will be very interesting.
Each side is now trying to win the battle in the media it would appear, as in response to the players' comments, the league has come back with counter claims to what the union says is going on in the meetings. There are a lot of quotes from MLS President Mark Abbott about the negotiations in that article and what they are trying to do. Based on what the league is saying, it appears that if there is a work stoppage, it will be from a players' strike, not a lock out. That's based on the news that the league is willing to start the season under the rules of the expired CBA (which the league can do based on the rules of the current CBA that state the terms remain in effect from year to year unless the other side is notified in writing 60 days prior to the expiration or renewal of the agreement. (page 9)). What that means for the players, is that they'll have to be the ones that walk out, and in doing so they will likely keep themselves from being able to play in other leagues as they'd still be under contract to MLS.
That could really hurt players like Jimmy Conrad, Roger Espinoza, Chad Marshall, Robbie Findley, and multiple other players who have hopes of making their countries World Cup team for this summer's tournament in South Africa. A work stoppage could kill any of the players' chances of making the cup, and certainly something that weights on some of those players' minds.
Right now it would appear that the league is the one holding the better cards after the statement that they're willing to work under the old CBA, but the union has come back again with another response to the league's statements. With more of this out in the media now, this looks like it could start to get really ugly as each side tries to win the media war. From what I've read by fans, there seems to be a fairly even split on which side people support, but all definitely don't want a work stoppage. The next 4 days will be very interesting.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Interview with Vermes
Today Thad from The Back Post has an interview with Peter Vermes that he's posted over on his blog. Vermes talks about the next phase of preseason, as he calls it, the "team phase", likely working to get all the new players integrated even more into the team and playing as one team. Thad brings up all the trialists that the team has had in camp and Vermes says that some of them have impressed some have not, some have signed, some they're still wanting to look at.
They talk about the team's newer signings, first, second round draft pick, Korede Aiyegubsi, who Vermes likens to Corey Ashe of Houston. Ashe is a hard working player who at times looks extremely impressive for the Dynamo.
He talks about trialists Igor Kostrov and Ryan Smith saying they are interested in both. He says that Kostrov can play on both flanks and is very attacking minded. Smith they are very impressed by and interested in.
Vermes also mentions the Eric Kronberg re-signing, and he'll be competing with the other keepers in camp.
Finally, Thad gets Vermes to speak a little about the collective bargaining agreement and how it affects their work on signing players. Vermes says that it's definitely been difficult but the team has tried to stay within a certain budget, but that it's hard with things still in the air as they are. It's another good interview with good information in it.
They talk about the team's newer signings, first, second round draft pick, Korede Aiyegubsi, who Vermes likens to Corey Ashe of Houston. Ashe is a hard working player who at times looks extremely impressive for the Dynamo.
He talks about trialists Igor Kostrov and Ryan Smith saying they are interested in both. He says that Kostrov can play on both flanks and is very attacking minded. Smith they are very impressed by and interested in.
Vermes also mentions the Eric Kronberg re-signing, and he'll be competing with the other keepers in camp.
Finally, Thad gets Vermes to speak a little about the collective bargaining agreement and how it affects their work on signing players. Vermes says that it's definitely been difficult but the team has tried to stay within a certain budget, but that it's hard with things still in the air as they are. It's another good interview with good information in it.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Star Confirm My Thoughts From Last Night
The Kansas City Star this morning has quotes from Peter Vermes that confirm my thoughts that I posted last night about Kevin Hartman. According to the article from the Star, Vermes basically said that Hartman no long figures in the team's plans. It sounds like a bitter ending for a keeper that started every league game over his 3 years with the team, in all competitions, Hartman didn't play in only 4 games (all Open Cup) over that time frame. By the sounds of the article, the Wizards did indeed offer Hartman a new contract, which means that the team will hold his MLS rights for the next two years. That is, unless what appears to be the final sticking point in the current collective bargaining agreement negotiations go the way of the players and they get some form of free agency within MLS.
I'm not totally happy about this. I'm willing to give Jimmy Nielsen a chance, but this move seems like lateral movement. From everything I've seen, Nielsen has the same issues controlling his box in the air as Hartman did. He also couldn't help keep a team from being relegated from the Danish top division. All the highlights I've found of him are from his time with Aalborg, which was a few years ago now. Granted he is hitting the prime of his goalkeeping career, but with the number of keepers that the US seems to produce I'm not a fan of using a foreign slot on a keeper.
I'm not totally happy about this. I'm willing to give Jimmy Nielsen a chance, but this move seems like lateral movement. From everything I've seen, Nielsen has the same issues controlling his box in the air as Hartman did. He also couldn't help keep a team from being relegated from the Danish top division. All the highlights I've found of him are from his time with Aalborg, which was a few years ago now. Granted he is hitting the prime of his goalkeeping career, but with the number of keepers that the US seems to produce I'm not a fan of using a foreign slot on a keeper.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Preseason Begins Tuesday
The Wizards put out a press release this afternoon announcing that preseason will begin this coming Tuesday, January 26th. And according to reports, while the collective bargaining agreement is still being discussed, players have been advised to report to camp.
KC's camp will begin like it has the past few years with a week in Kansas City. The team will train from 11-12:30 Tuesday through Saturday. From there the team is likely to move on to a warmer location to continue their training. In years past this has been a trip down to Florida and then onto either Mexico or Argentina. The team hasn't announced yet where they are going after they start in KC, though so we'll have to wait and see where the team goes. And with preseason starting, the schedule isn't too far behind. Word is the schedule for the 2010 season should be out in early February.
KC's camp will begin like it has the past few years with a week in Kansas City. The team will train from 11-12:30 Tuesday through Saturday. From there the team is likely to move on to a warmer location to continue their training. In years past this has been a trip down to Florida and then onto either Mexico or Argentina. The team hasn't announced yet where they are going after they start in KC, though so we'll have to wait and see where the team goes. And with preseason starting, the schedule isn't too far behind. Word is the schedule for the 2010 season should be out in early February.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wizards Players Speak on CBA
The more news I read about the current collective bargaining agreement discussions between the league and players, the more I worry that we're going to see some sort of work stoppage whether it be a strike or a lock out. Earlier this past week, two Wizards players spoke about the negotiations, Jimmy Conrad, the Wizards player representative, and Kevin Hartman, who was in on some meetings during the all star break, both spoke with the San Jose Mercury News about the current CBA situation. Neither one's comments can fill you with optimism about the negotiations. Conrad talks about the league putting pressure on the players to "agree to some terms we don't want to agree to." The wording of his quote makes it sound like the two groups are still far apart in their negotiations and that there's plenty still left to discuss. Conrad mentions that if there is a work stoppage it seems more likely to be a lockout by the owners instead of a strike because it would apparently be in the owners best interest over a strike. As for Hartman, he puts out the regular line that the players don't want a work stoppage, but they want changes made that will continue to see growth.
As I said, not the most encouraging news coming from Conrad and Hartman about the current state of negotiations. While I understand why the players want the things they are fighting for, the distance apart the two sides seem to be is disturbing. I hope something can be worked out, as I think any work stoppage would be a killer for the sport in the US, especially in a World Cup year. The other day, I had this open letter from the Toronto Sun pointed out to me, and it does a good job I think of addressing some fans concerns.
As I said, not the most encouraging news coming from Conrad and Hartman about the current state of negotiations. While I understand why the players want the things they are fighting for, the distance apart the two sides seem to be is disturbing. I hope something can be worked out, as I think any work stoppage would be a killer for the sport in the US, especially in a World Cup year. The other day, I had this open letter from the Toronto Sun pointed out to me, and it does a good job I think of addressing some fans concerns.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
CBA Talk
We're about 6 weeks from the expiration of MLS' current collective bargaining agreement, and it's become the main topic of discussion by most MLS writers/bloggers. There have been a few quotes lately coming from Seattle Sounders FC players about the negotiations and most have not looked positive when it comes to a deal being reached. Previously we've heard that MLS players have been told to plan for a strike/lock out, and the talk from the Sounders players does nothing to really discourage that. Kasey Keller even puts a date on when the potential lock out could occur, February 1st.
The players union's main points in these negotiations has been more about players' rights than getting the salary cap raised. This is a smart move probably by the players union as in the current economic climate, it'd be hard to pressure the league to make a big raise in the cap. Instead the main things the players are wanting, is club autonomy (clubs negotiating contracts, not just the league), guaranteed contracts, free agency within MLS when contracts expire, and have the league open up it's books to determine a fair raise in the salary cap every year.
Right now, players do not have guaranteed contracts, teams can release players from their contracts and those contracts are gone. The players want to have the security of the guaranteed contracts. Also, when a players' contract expires, their rights are still owned by the MLS team that they played for, as long as the MLS team offered him a new contract. Meaning a team would have to trade the rights to a player for them to sign with another MLS team.
Players also say that MLS does not abide by FIFA rules in regards to player transfers, because they make players sign a waiver giving away some of those FIFA rules. FIFA, though, has stayed out of the fight, even when FIFPro has asked FIFA to get involved.
I can't really argue with the players' wants, they all make sense and seem to be fairly easy to give. Still, the discussion goes on, as the two sides appear to still be a ways apart on these issues. Hopefully both sides can come to a compromise on this and we'll have a 2010 season, because I'm part of the group that thinks that a strike would cripple and potentially kill the league.
The players union's main points in these negotiations has been more about players' rights than getting the salary cap raised. This is a smart move probably by the players union as in the current economic climate, it'd be hard to pressure the league to make a big raise in the cap. Instead the main things the players are wanting, is club autonomy (clubs negotiating contracts, not just the league), guaranteed contracts, free agency within MLS when contracts expire, and have the league open up it's books to determine a fair raise in the salary cap every year.
Right now, players do not have guaranteed contracts, teams can release players from their contracts and those contracts are gone. The players want to have the security of the guaranteed contracts. Also, when a players' contract expires, their rights are still owned by the MLS team that they played for, as long as the MLS team offered him a new contract. Meaning a team would have to trade the rights to a player for them to sign with another MLS team.
Players also say that MLS does not abide by FIFA rules in regards to player transfers, because they make players sign a waiver giving away some of those FIFA rules. FIFA, though, has stayed out of the fight, even when FIFPro has asked FIFA to get involved.
I can't really argue with the players' wants, they all make sense and seem to be fairly easy to give. Still, the discussion goes on, as the two sides appear to still be a ways apart on these issues. Hopefully both sides can come to a compromise on this and we'll have a 2010 season, because I'm part of the group that thinks that a strike would cripple and potentially kill the league.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
MLS/Players Union Update
After tomorrow's expansion draft, the main focus for MLS will turn to the league's collective bargaining agreement which is set to expire in January. A little bit of news on the issue has come out in the past day. Today FIFPro asked FIFA to step into the potential labor dispute because MLS doesn't follow FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players. FIFPro has a long list of complaints against the league; there are players without a guaranteed contract, player contracts are routinely terminated by the league, MLS acts as a cartel, there is no freedom of movement for any MLS player, and virtually any player can be transferred to another club in the league without his consent.
The players' union and FIFPro were dealt a blow later in the day, though, as Grant Wahl with Sports Illustrated received word from FIFA that it will not interfere in the collective bargaining negotiations. FIFA's statement in part said, "FIFA understands that this domestic issue is being resolved in accordance with U.S. labor laws and does not involve the U.S. Soccer Federation. FIFA will not interfere in the process. We have been assured that FIFA's regulations have been and will be respected."
This is definitely an important issue to watch as the next few weeks go by.
The players' union and FIFPro were dealt a blow later in the day, though, as Grant Wahl with Sports Illustrated received word from FIFA that it will not interfere in the collective bargaining negotiations. FIFA's statement in part said, "FIFA understands that this domestic issue is being resolved in accordance with U.S. labor laws and does not involve the U.S. Soccer Federation. FIFA will not interfere in the process. We have been assured that FIFA's regulations have been and will be respected."
This is definitely an important issue to watch as the next few weeks go by.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Could there be a Strike?
Could the 2010 MLS season be in a little bit of danger next season? It seems like it could be a possibility, as the current collective bargaining agreement is up in January. According to former Wizard, Nick Garcia in the Toronto Sun (yes I know the Sun is a tabloid), players have been told to put money back for this year just in case.
Anyone that's paid attention to MLS can see that it seems like the players are getting a bit of a raw deal. There are multiple players on every team's roster that struggles to make it. Many take second jobs and coach youth teams in their cities to make extra money. They also have to room with 2-3 other roommates some times to help make ends meet, especially in cities like LA where the cost of living is higher (remember the exerts about Alan Gordon in The Beckham Experiment). There are other issues on the table, including guaranteed contracts for the players. This is something that every fan of not just the Wizards, but MLS will need to pay attention to in the coming weeks and months. Garcia's thought is that a deal won't be reached until around the time the MLS season starts.
Anyone that's paid attention to MLS can see that it seems like the players are getting a bit of a raw deal. There are multiple players on every team's roster that struggles to make it. Many take second jobs and coach youth teams in their cities to make extra money. They also have to room with 2-3 other roommates some times to help make ends meet, especially in cities like LA where the cost of living is higher (remember the exerts about Alan Gordon in The Beckham Experiment). There are other issues on the table, including guaranteed contracts for the players. This is something that every fan of not just the Wizards, but MLS will need to pay attention to in the coming weeks and months. Garcia's thought is that a deal won't be reached until around the time the MLS season starts.
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