Video Archive Search

Yeah.

I'm Jim Bolden and welcome to GMs corner this show was create to show the game the eyes of the general manager. But more importantly. If the opinions the information in the analysis from the people that operate the game and custodians of the game. Team president like Dave Dombrowski general manager like Billy Beane and Theo Epstein. Players like LM VP Joe power. Also we're gonna have super agent Scott Boras all the people that make the noise in the game are going to be on this show. You -- know what's -- baseball you know how it's broken down behind the scenes come to our show that you can't corner. Our first -- is finally at about salary arbitration our guests today include Ford general managers Dave Dombrowski from the Detroit Tigers. Frank -- from the Atlanta Braves. Josh Byrnes and Arizona Diamondbacks and -- a pyro in the Cleveland Indians two of -- are related and baseball Scott course from the -- corporation. Adam -- for wasserman union had Michael -- gonna join us. Those Al MVP Joe Mauer and former player Sean Casey. Arbitration is a process that takes place for players under three years of service time -- on top 70% of the class. And also all players between three years and just under six years of service want to be arbitration. When those players can't get agreement with the club we need a process that's how much they should be paid. A panel three arbitrators will decide what number player gets paid the players number -- the club's number. Talk about -- arbitration lets go to my GM growth but that's right we've got Dave Dombrowski from the Atlanta Braves frank Wren. With the Indians marks your card from Arizona Josh Byrnes. At first of all let's start with what do you think of the process.

Well that two things one I don't like dynamic creates a player that you'd be afraid to use it go because this is set up. I don't enjoy dining -- I think it creates. Environment works -- setting. And -- out yet you're having to say difficult things about a player the player present to. I think it's arbitrary arbitration archer. And one they may resonate and you may lose the case we.

The only thing that I really liked about it is your position working under settlements your group. I'm really make that decision or you. And so that took third party that's of necessity but for -- really it's a process I really do not like I have been and numerous. Arbitration -- sources in the past. Yes left the meetings where players walk out and you don't have the same relationship -- then that you got orderly and so that's never thought that.

I think he Nancy -- that the arbitration process as free agency has become -- Raiders source efficiency. You arbitration process produced a lesson last.

You have not been arbitration the last four years frank obviously it's a process the Braves would prefer not to be apart of can you kind of breakdown what your parents did an arbitration Weinstein -- cases.

I just I don't think we're up rate everybody I think there's some organizations that just -- wanna go I don't think we're in that category. Are we -- Brookline going. But like every club if you got your choices you'd rather not by Ian -- situation. We went several times with -- Andruw Jones Kevin Millwood John Rocker I think that was our last group that we went consistently. That probably isn't it -- Scott Boras being the agent resemble those players are because that's obviously not a process that Scott's afraid -- it. Here.

later in the show as well as far as you know the reality that we make -- you're that's fine you know I think we all know it's it's part of the process it's not one we. Seek out but it might be one night -- near the end and.

Detroit we've never had a case go to arbitration. You'll -- a process that you need to use the process but in this situation I think you're always better -- you can negotiate -- settlement rather than have and a third party to do that.

What would you change about the arbitration process if you had a chance to fix.

Wait too long I would doubt about the tender date however about the exchange data out of the hearing date it's it's for 90% of -- three months to get -- predictable outcome. To the extent the tender date you know -- free agency and and someone like this effects team budget. Just information we -- take care of your own party offseason rather -- it all the way through.

The one -- always. Question. Is we're we have binding arbitration and I have to choose one number or the other now a lot of people say yeah. If you look at the other type of arbitration -- select the number of middle that that pretty much being done all the time so I understand that argument. But I I attended the binding arbitration partner can be a typical.

That arbitration. I remember going to Andruw Jones arbitration hearing and Scott started the triple you know started. The proceedings in the first thing they did it we we looked up and they opened the double doors to the meeting room and it we will then this flat screen TV. And they showed a video highlight Andruw Jones why hang in diving making a catch. Then the next play he went back to the wall jumped up on the wall made a catch the next play when the right center field gap left center field gap -- unbelievable catches. He hits the ball in the upper deck at the bet. And any it's a bullet back through the pitcher steals second base. And Scott didn't say a word during the whole video presentation which was the first five minutes. And -- for empathy says that mr. arbitrator. Is a five tool player. I look at our guys that work done it matter why we -- Based on what you're assured him he doesn't Superman.

I'm -- first Tim Lincecum the biggest case of all the arbitration eligible players in 2010. The set up -- in 2008 when Ryan Howard. That -- the Philadelphia Phillies. And 110 million dollar arbitration victory the biggest victory in history of arbitration. For first time eligible player. Tim Lincecum is soon gonna break that record once he goes into the boardroom what the club estimated -- limited number of eight million dollars. The players -- number of thirteen million dollars. Now -- arbitration panel of three when they're done here in the case we're happy either pick eight million or thirteen million they can't pick a number in between. But it Ryan Howard. He when he -- the -- with -- MVP and a rookie of the year award and he got ten million. Tim Lincecum is gonna walk into the room with two Cy Young awards. Our record of 4217. You -- the -- to award a record of 4217. I think he's gonna get paid more than Ryan Howard hit the San Francisco Giants are forced to walk into the arbitration room they have three alternatives. The first one is to settle the case in the room if they can get a deal anywhere between ten and -- eleven a half million they should do that deal. The second alternative they should not do but here's what they could do they could walk in the room and -- Tim Lincecum has never won twenty games in his career. Tim Lincecum was not there to perform in the biggest game of the year September against the Dodgers because of back spasms. At top appeal the woods pulled over for allegedly possessing marijuana. You could try -- case but I don't think the arbitrators are gonna bias and you're gonna alienate Tim Lincecum and really your long term goal is a long term deal relationship with him. Thirdly if you have to go and try to -- I think what the club should do with walk in and agree with a player. Look we agreed with mr. Lincecum mr. are -- we think. He should be the highest paid pitcher ever walking arbitration. We agree this guys want to I don't we agreed his record of forty and seventeen is amazing. -- 676. Strikeouts it's a star but then make an industry case and try to argue the fact. That eight million dollars a year will be more than any pictures ever made history of -- Baseball the first time eligible and that that numbers more appropriate than another record which would be thirteen million dollars. A look at the arbitration records over the last five years the owners have won seventy case that the players have won ten. Does that mean in the clubs have won. No it doesn't the players have actually won because every year they win that one -- That changes the entire market for the next class. The following year so even this year they lose all cases if they win that Tim Lincecum case they really well one of arbitration the because the bar will look instead at a new level. For all future arbitration cases. The history of salary arbitration. It started in 1974. When Reggie Jackson broke the record in arbitration waited about a 135000. Dollars. Then in 2008 Ryan Howard get that ten million dollars award and in 2010. Might call that there was -- gonna win his case. At thirteen million dollars so we've gone from a 13501974. To thirteen million in 2010. This arbitration process has worked for the players. Now on the other side let's look at the people that represented the players we have two of the most powerful agent in baseball Scott abortion abortion corporation. Adam -- wasserman. Also joining us is ahead of the players' union Michael Weiner.

First arbitration. With -- go to support the -- Well I I think Jim since you have returned from general manager world that oh we get all our case settled down I don't know. We -- one case that we are you hear about it.

In these years ago we got that one case left with. For your kitchen as in it would Jackson were workable and try to work something out there.

The arbitration process. Well I think it's been good for the players primarily to sell them whether it when a player has 03 years of services and you know who the -- pretty much get to did you eight. What they pay their players usually on the on the low side it's not too much negotiating. Arbitration is. Are rewarding process and there's uncertainty to it and I think it. -- values for those players with three to six years service. Three hours to make your case and you know hope that the panels are educated and reviews the briefs. And listens carefully because it's not a lot of time to make the case. For a -- 345. Years of body of work it's a very different call three hours there very competitive. People put everything you have into it and you -- tired that you leave washed out. The player of the club -- best number usually prevails. Thumb but there's been cases where there heads Raptors that you don't know how results anguish they did.

Your clients are players well first thought -- you who I think you've heard me say is we're arguing age goes hearing. As a failure of the process. You lose perspective what salary arbitration process is -- to the -- settlement between players and clubs. It's remarkably expected that into your question directly. I think there are some players. Who. Who are affected by what takes place. I actually heard players hated me. Coming out of arbitration. Well. They criticize players for example for any two people runs or for not doing it and bases or whatever they criticize -- I've heard players say if that's what they want to do going forward I guess that's what I'll do as far as the site goes. I don't you might think that I think players get over. I think most players get over.

The most part we try to define it is business process. -- In really remove any kind of inner. His relationship with team there have been instances where there's been certain club officials who. We acted aggressively. And I think. Treated the players though he was an inanimate object in the room. And it was tried to do their best to help the advocates of their of their -- team win the case. They've lost little control. In doing that those issues because there will. But for the most part. You know the process is one in this -- management both sides.

Some clubs say that the way the arbitration process of all that they were corporate trade. Possibly some arbitration for free agent years I've always looked at it differently I always thought walker -- you can non tender. Any of those players you want to make some free agent and yet you get to control player your small market by going to the system.

It's refreshing to hear. Someone who. As much experience. Baseball operations you. Acknowledged that values are. Salary arbitration is that only from a club perspective only comparison. To being able to just do the guys out. Your ability to hold all the players. It's critical or whatever to whimsical he worked out arbitration. We weren't ready. He's a bargain for the Giants compared to what they are the paper they had to compete for rent free agent I don't think that's an advocate really.

There -- memories that you. Look back and laugh it yes I do -- you case I have the situation.

Where we are in the urban and we were. -- case and the advocate. For the club. Began his presentation most suddenly developed cough cough that became. Something to the point where he would really be hidden red in the face and he was literally almost -- And so I offered him cough drop. They had occasion to cough drop. And and it seemed to. Calm the situation in the within five minutes he's back and and begin it's presentation finishes without without problems. And we got to resolve the case would we did not win. And general manager Jim Duquette. Said -- very nice letter. And a cough drop instead in the this disparity in the case was about 500000 dollars and goes. Well by the way -- wanna write you letters and I want to thank you for the 500000 dollar contract.

That's been privileged few to -- on the -- appreciate very much. It's not a secret we were there.

If the player's perspective of salary arbitration joining the American League most valuable player Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins. And former Cincinnati reds' Sean Casey who once hit my button salary arbitration. -- Tim Lincecum is the biggest arbitration case this year how nasty is -- Andy that you never rocked back hairdo.

Well I don't think I'll ever where that would put. Yeah I was able to face him for the first time in in the Australian last year. You know I was very impressed he's. He's he's definitely one of the best.

Kick my butt in the arbitration ruling one of my biggest flaw in my career at the moment that I can never get. Very disappoint -- for you with the player what was it like in the arbitration.

where where. You know you don't know what to expect our generation. And I had a regulation or years I was spared treated for retreated on what -- from me so. Oh yeah don't want to and spent a lot when I'm glad that I realized hate baseball not just a Rhodes is -- guy that gets -- business -- And the team wants to deal with are also looking at. He is much players -- can't. And -- the playbook and it was my education yet certain window of opportunity in Beijing based also remain experience was was awesome. It was what I wanna do again because. And I think the worst market is a little while they're during her during the break you about the miraculous on just -- our second -- Excess character above the belly up but it stressing that it when you think -- our approach at the club in salary arbitration. Q did you when -- at Denver. I think that led to hold that lead and did in the second half. You guys. The derby -- big points as I was they like call that tabernacle and a big tomorrow and then the other one was that was I was based Clark puts. But it. Does what you tell. What you. Guys. -- Wanted to do that -- yeah. He's human clubhouse early 2001 to are talking about process and Cadillac. -- is now in -- and maybe a lot better but. When you occasionally done would be on long term contract remember call cross hospital as a -- yeah. Our ticket -- Joe what.

Players take on salary arbitration. It's it's a crazy process. You know this the part of the game you know it's part of the business side of it. And you know every year new crop of players particularly. That part of McCain's. I guess this department.

In what the real version -- happened John -- arbitration case. We had every comparable -- by the midpoint of the slam dunk general manager K. Case agent on your pyro gets up walks in front of the arbitration panel. And says are represented cal Ripken junior are represented her pocket. But I've never represented a player of this character and this caliber in -- The red -- can't call and then there's that. And -- call the mayor of Cincinnati. And we should pay any attention to compare Bulls should it be all about what he does off the field the reds organization. That they. We lost the case. Not because of numbers we lost the case because monster pyro was presentation. Of Sean Casey the man. One K. --

this only dirty GMs in the world you one of the special thirty. But let's take our viewers. On how frank brands road was like.

We -- hit it a little bit but that I. -- as the -- never. -- never really had any desire to go to the front office in baseball. When I started out I start out as a player -- after my freshman -- in Chicago Montreal. And I played five years I had a brain tumor and I had a brain tumor in had surgery and Bob Gebhardt was the field director -- Montreal. And -- came to visit -- and possibilities that you know when you get out would you wanna be a coach during your rehab this summer I -- had surgery spring training. Actually he had -- like -- the game and so I went to our effort -- hospital was able to rehab I went to Jamestown, New York with pat Doherty. And that was my. Rookie manager when I first signed in and we are in very close. Outlook coaching and then when I left instructional league they say it will and you back that day as a player the next spring. So I came back the next spring as a player and I just didn't I didn't read over what I didn't -- I could not react at the plate. About halfway in the season get called me and that are you greatest our coaching full time. And then in 84 in instructional league I was gonna start managing the games don't club following year. And Montreal lost one of their affiliate the Calgary club was drafted to triple -- for Seattle and so we lost that affiliate which I was gonna -- and so I asked yeah but I talked other clubs that what I -- more -- want to start managing and I had some offers. And so you have came back to means that we'd like you beat in general manager games and the New York. As again I have no interest in that whatsoever. As I wanna stay on the field I -- my cats the big leagues as a coach or manager. And I he was very persuasive when asked me to call people I trusted -- game and so long story short I became the general manager that summer -- been a player development as a player for five years and coach manageable four years. And then I -- general managers -- now I'm assistant scouting director with Gary Hughes and I learned that in that it and a year or so into it Gary had -- Turn into one of the national cross checkers or assistant scouting director national cross -- Then Dave Dombrowski came. To Montreal from the White Sox that he asked me to get involved in Latin America so an 8788. I was assistant scouting director cross checking and I became director of Latin American scouting. And learn Spanish and I spent the next several years doing a lot of work Latin America that in 91. Seven of us went to start the Florida Marlins as an expansion franchise and I went from. -- got excited at being assistant general manager and our assistant general manager for eight years but as you can see yet that has had a lot of different. That's -- away which gained media a lot of experience a lot of areas would have been very valuable. At this point.

Let's talk about next week next week on the show -- talk about big market comes. Versus small market because the truth is they're two totally separate job. But before he got one day. While Scott -- that. Yeah it's nice to speak would you rather than negotiate.