During the lockout, Major League Baseball personnel, in particular, are unable to speak to their Major League Baseball players – anything about free agency talks, rehab assignments or spring plans. That gag order is extended to the press as well, and early evidence shows that it has been effective, with some staff members citing fears that their phone records would be reviewed. An executive approached via his spouse’s cell phone. “Sorry,” he said, apologizing for the unknown number, “I’m just trying to be careful.”
It may be more difficult to talk than usual, but underneath the transactional and information blackout, a lot is happening.
Typically, turnover at MLB headquarters and field staff occurs in October and November, with teams conducting interviews for newly created openings, while contests are contested to keep their talents on the field in front of the teams. proposals from other teams. But this offseason has been unlike any other in baseball history. The impending expiration of the collective bargaining agreement on December 1 forced teams to focus early on on player acquisition, with each aspiring contender speed dating all of the most coveted free agents. Almost all the teams celebrated at the time of the exchanges and transfers before the owners initiated the lockout of the players’ union. Executives didn’t have time to focus on hiring, say, a minor league field coordinator.
But now, contact with players has been closed and teams are up to their necks in those deferred conversations about filling staff vacancies. The A’s and Mets, for example, are in the process of choosing a manager and coaches. The Astros have to decide how to replace the esteemed pitching coach Brent Strom, which landed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cleveland’s main office has been raided again.
Even fully-staffed teams have been busy – some executives are already going through early preparation for when the shutdown ends and the green light for sign-ups and changes is given. Whether that happens in February or March, or later, most teams believe it will kick off another whirlwind round of unprecedented activity, with perhaps 200 players on the move within two to three weeks after the next deal is forged. collective.
This is some of what is leaking between teams:
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What are MLB teams doing during the lockout? Many things