Once again MLB is in a lockout! This time it's the owners locking out the players over an expiring agreement where labor is the main issue. Luckily this is happening in the off-season where the NFL, NHL and the NBA are in full swing—but this could linger.
My frustration with the MLB is that I'm a fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Now the MLB didn't force me to be a Reds fan—but they aren't able to compete with larger market teams in keeping or signing big time free agents to a long term deal. No salary cap and free agency has opened up to the huge sports agent business, where certain sports agents are very aggressive with these massive contract deals that price out the smaller market teams. The Cincinnati Reds go from a World Series champion in 1990 to becoming a farm system for the rich teams in the last 25 years. Frustrating to say the least! Losing players that became stars in smaller markets to go play for a larger market really hurts the fan base.
I understand the players association wanting to improve the income situation for younger players who have to serve 6 full seasons in the MLB before they are able to hit free agency and sign large contracts—but both sides will need to dig deep and work out these issues before the start of the next season. The owners also need to figure out how to level the playing field for small market teams. Maybe a salary cap could be the answer. Hopefully the MLB addresses this issue in the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
OK MLB you need to figure out a way to induct Pete Rose into the HOF while he is still alive. A 33 year suspension is long enough, especially that the DraftKings is a co-exclusive sports betting partner of MLB. Get this right MLB!