Labor Issues At Fore Of MLB GM’s Meeting

John Nestor – AHN Sports Correspondent

Orlando, FL, United States (AHN) – Draft changes and playoff expansion were on the mind of baseball’s general managers as they look ahead to collective bargaining negotiations for a new Basic Agreement next year.

Baseball’s GM’s spent Tuesday meeting with Rob Manfred, Major League Baseball’s executive vice president of labor relations and human resources.

Labor issues including the draft and possible expansion of the playoffs were among the topics discussed. Possible postseason expansion could include a second Wild Card team from both leagues.

Both are issues that have to be collectively bargained and addressed as part of labor negotiations.

The current Basic Agreement expires on Dec. 11, 2011.

“We had quite a debate on (the playoff issue),” Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd said after the meeting. “I’m going to think through that to get it a little bit more clearly in my mind. I came in thinking it would be a good idea, but after I listened to it more and more, now I’m not so sure.”

Changes to the draft could include expanding it to amateur players beyond the boundaries of the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico as well as adding a slotting system.

A slotting system would mean a set maximum amount of money for each draft pick per spot.

“There are reasons why Major League players should want a slotting system because what’s not spent on the draft could arguably be spent on Major League players,” New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson said.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig has stated that the discussion of expanding the postseason won’t be determined this week.

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