SportsBiz: Union right to block A-Rod trade to the Red Sox - Dec. 18, 2003 (December 18, 2003)
"In the spirit of cooperation, I advised the Red Sox I am willing to restructure my contract, but only within the guidelines prescribed by union officials," Rodriguez said in a statement to the media. "I recognize the principle involved, and fully support the need to protect the interests of my fellow players."
If the Red Sox really wanted to have him next year, they knew the cost before they started these trade talks. For the club to blame the union now is like blaming Babe Ruth for the team's troubles the last eight decades.
In other words, union-bashing makes the fans feel better without having much to do with the truth.
And a Doug Pappas sighting.
--posted by TangoTiger at 11:12 PM EDT
Posted 1:20 p.m.,
December 20, 2003
(#1) -
jimbo
I completely disagree with the players union here. The article does not give any concrete reason how allowing ARod to take less money affects the integrity of the player's union.
"The union wants the sanctity of the contract as drafted," Pappas said. "Strictly speaking, the players aren't empowered to negotiate such things (i.e., reduced benefits)."
Why not? A contract should be a mutual (and mutually beneficial) agreement between two parties. If, after the contract is signed, one side doesn't like it anymore, I can see why that side should still be committed to the contract. But if both sides realize they don't like the contract anymore, why can't they agree to void it? What's the point of preserving the "sanctity" if not for interest of the parties involved?
Even if the union decided to approve all cases of salary reduction, that they see as mutually desired and beneficial, how will that weaken the union? Any player in the future can still refuse to reduce their salary. The union still has the right to reject any future case of salary reduction.
I don't see any reason why the union can't allow salary reductions and still protect the interests of every player. On the other hand, I can see how the union, in not allowing salary reduction, can hurt the interests of its players.