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MLB News
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 10 January 2013 18:06 |
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 Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association today announced substantial changes to the league’s drug policy that will now provide for unannounced, random blood testing for the detection of human growth hormone (hGH) beginning with the upcoming season. In a landmark agreement, MLB players began hGH testing beginning with Spring Training in 2012, and all players were subject to hGH blood testing for reasonable cause at all times during the year. During the 2012-2013 off-season, players have already been subject to random unannounced testing for hGH.
Since July of 2010, Major League Baseball has conducted random blood testing for the detection of hGH among Minor League players.
SEE THE ALL-TIME DRUG SUSPENSION LIST FOR MLB AND MiLB PLAYERS
To add, the league and union for the players addressed elevated testosterone. The sides have agreed to establish a longitudinal profile program, in which a player's baseline Testosterone/Epitestosterone (T/E) ratio and other data will be maintained by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited Montreal Laboratory currently employed by MLB and the MLBPA. Using Carbon Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analysis on all specimens that vary materially from a player's baseline values, each player will now have a unique profile. In the past, players had looked to skirt the edges of a 4:1 T/E ratio. Now, a player will be evaluated based on their unique baseline. To add further disincentive to use testosterone as a performance-enhancer there will be an increase in the number of random IRMS analysis the league and union’s lab conducts on specimens.
Last season, Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon, and Yasmani Grandal all tested positive for elevated testosterone, while Eliezer Alfonzo was able to have a 100 game suspension rescinded. In the case of Alfonzo, he raised issues that were nearly identical to those resolved in the arbitration involving Brewer, and NL MVP Ryan Braun where chain of custody of test samples were challenged. That loophole has since been closed.
Of the changes to the drug policy Commissioner Selig said, “This agreement addresses critical drug issues and symbolizes Major League Baseball’s continued vigilance against synthetic human growth hormone, Testosterone and other performance-enhancing substances. I am proud that our system allows us to adapt to the many evolving issues associated with the science and technology of drug testing. We will continue to do everything we can to maintain a leadership stature in anti-doping efforts in the years ahead.”
MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner added in a statement that, “the Players are determined to do all they can to continually improve the sport’s Joint Drug Agreement. Players want a program that is tough, scientifically accurate, backed by the latest proven scientific methods, and fair; I believe these changes firmly support the Players’ desires while protecting their legal rights.”
Christiane Ayotte, the Director of the Montreal Laboratory where testing will be conducted said, “Although the Montreal Laboratory has made extensive use of IRMS in the past, the addition of random blood testing and a longitudinal profiling program makes Baseball’s program second to none in detecting and deterring the use of synthetic hGH and Testosterone. A drug testing program that follows over a thousand steroid profiles and tests over a thousand blood specimens each year compares favorably with any WADA program.”
Major League Baseball became the first pro sports league to implement hGH testing. The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed to hGH testing prior to MLB as part of their latest labor agreement but have not yet been able to implement the program.
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 Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 21 December 2012 11:58 |
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When the figure came out that MLB’s league-wide revenues were approx. $7.5 billion for 2012, a question that came up afterwards was, “How much was revenue-sharing, and how much did each club getting revenue-sharing receive?” The latter may never be known (for those wondering, the last time that figures came out in the media was 2002 and 2003, which can be see here), but the total figure, is.
According to a source with direct knowledge of the figure, the amount of revenue-sharing that funneled from the haves to the have-nots in MLB this year was approx. $400 million. While the money is not distributed evenly across the clubs, if the 15 lowest revenue-makers were given an equal portion it would equal approx. $27 million for each of those clubs.
The amount of revenue-sharing in Major League Baseball should stymie any talk that clubs can’t—at the very least—be able to compete selectively in the free agency space from time to time. It also affords club opportunity to wrap up talent on their rosters to avoid them leaving once they hit free agency. While it’s clear that the amount of revenue-sharing they received this year is not enough to cover the entire amount, the Rays likely covered a lot of the annual salary increase needed to ink Evan Longoria to his $100 million extension with revenue-sharing proceeds. That’s the purpose of revenue-sharing.
Finally, there's this to consider. With the skyrocketing growth of regional sports network revenues, plus the continued robust nature of baseball as an entertainment option, it seems that in the very near future we'll see revenue-sharing in MLB surpass a half-a-billion dollars. With it, let's hope clubs are using the gifted money from their large revenue-making brethren wisely.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 18 December 2012 15:21 |
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Adjusted numbers released today for the New York Yankees end of year payrolls just made their wallet hurt that much more. Late last week the Yankees were said to have been hit with a Luxury Tax bill of $18,917,994 on an end of year player payroll of $222,512,928.
SEE ALL-TIME MLB LUXURY TAX DATA
But, today, after accounting adjustments, that player payroll figure that accounts for the 40-man roster and other costs, increased to $223,302,212 and with it, so increased their Luxury Tax bill to $19,311,642. All told, the Yankees have paid $224,558,161 or 91.44% of the total $245,568,176 paid since 2003.
The $224,558,161 end of year payroll for the Yankees is the highest since 2009 when it was $226,222,933. It is the second-highest in the last decade.
The Bronx Bombers paid $13,896,069 in Luxury Tax payments last year on EOY player payroll of $212,740,172. The reason that the penalty is higher this year in comparison to the player payroll is a higher tax rate of 42.5 percent for breaking the Luxury Tax threshold consecutively. Since this Luxury Tax system was put in place in 2002, the Yankees have broken the ceiling every year it’s been in place. Below is a breakdown:
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Year
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Payroll
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Tax
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Tax Rate
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2012
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$223,439,158
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$19,311,642
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42.5
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2011
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$212,740,172
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$13,896,069
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40
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2010
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$215,074,134
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$18,029,654
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40
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2009
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$226,222,933
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$25,689,173
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40
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2008
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$222,156,756
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$26,862,702
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40
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2007
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$207,703,464
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$23,881,386
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40
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2006
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$201,522,596
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$26,009,039
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40
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2005
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$213,134,467
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$34,053,787
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40
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2004
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$203,921,174
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$25,026,352
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30
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2003
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$184,419,181
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$11,798,357
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17.5
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TOTALS
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$2,110,334,035
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$224,558,161
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Data by way of The Associated Press. Figures based on payrolls for the 40-man rosters and include averages of multiyear contracts plus a 1-30th of Major League Baseball's costs of health and pension benefits; clubs medical costs; insurance; workman's compensation, payroll, unemployment and Social Security taxes; spring training allowances; meal and tip money; All-Star game expenses; travel and moving expenses; postseason pay; and college scholarships.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 10 December 2012 00:00 |
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With local broadcast money and attendance for the league remaining strong, according to sources after two years of seeing revenues relatively flat at $7 billion, Major League Baseball will see revenues of $7.5 billion for 2012. To place this in perspective, when accounting for inflation, baseball’s revenues have increased 257 percent since 1995 when they were $1.4 billion.
And while the number is impressive, it’s just the beginning of what will likely be one of—if not the—largest spike in revenue growth in league history. That’s because starting in 2014 the new national broadcast deals with FOX, ESPN, and TBS kick in which will add an additional $788.3 million a year. That means if MLB’s revenues remained static, league revenues for 2014 would exceed $8.4 billion. That, of course, isn’t going to happen. Revenues will get a further hefty bounce when the Dodgers finalize their broadcast deal which is reportedly worth $6-$7 billion. Depending on when that kicks in, it’s very possible that MLB could flirt with, or surpass, the $9 billion gross revenue plateau in a couple of years.
Here’s MLB revenues from 1995 to the present
Click to see full view |
Source: Major League Baseball, Biz of Baseball research
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter |
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:20 |
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Pack it up, and head ‘em out. The halls of Opryland in Nashville are clearing out as the 2012 Baseball Winter Meetings have officially come to an end. With it, there were a number of player transactions that were rumored, done in principle, or are just waiting to be fully announced. As to what MLB and the MLBPA declare as official, the following is the transaction summary for each day of the meetings from the league. Note that contract length and dollars based on Biz of Baseball research and does not come from MLB or the MLBPA.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
New York Yankees – Claimed C Eli Whiteside off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH
Boston Red Sox – Signed free agent OF Jonny Gomes to a reported 2-year, $10 million deal that pays $5 million each year of the contract
Colorado Rockies – Acquired RHP Wilton Lopez from the Houston Astros in exchange for RHP Alex Gillingham and RHP Alex White.
Tampa Bay Rays – Acquired SS Yunel Escobar from the Miami Marlins in exchange for SS Derek Dietrich.
San Diego Padres – Signed free agent RHP Jason Marquis to a reported 1-year, $3 million deal.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
Detroit Tigers – Acquired C Ramon Cabrera from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for LHP Andrew Oliver.
Source: Major League Baseball, Biz of Baseball research
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Saturday, 01 December 2012 14:33 |
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An annual report released as part of Major League Baseball’s drug program shows that of 5,136 tests for performance-enhancing drugs and stimulants, a total of 18 tested positive, or less than 1 percent (0.35%) during the 2012 season. While 18 players tested positive for banned substances, not all served suspensions as a first offense for stimulants only results in follow-up testing. Only at the time of second violation does game suspension occur with that resulting in 25 games. Two players served suspensions for stimulants as part of this past season’s testing. Baltimore Orioles shortstop Ryan Adams, who at the time was on the roster of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides was suspended on Nov. 2, and just this past Tuesday, Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz joined him. Both players will see their suspensions served beginning next season.
There were a total of 7 positive tests for performance-enhancing substances that resulted in discipline, with four accounting for testosterone that resulted in 50 game suspension. Three were announced suspensions during the course of the year (San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal; Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon, and; San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera), but the fourth was not announced. That now appears to be Manny Ramirez who retired in early 2011 to avoid a 100-game suspension for a second violation of the drug policy. After sitting out the entire 2011 season, a deal was reached with MLB and the MLBPA to allow his reinstatement and to serve just 50 games rather than 100 after signing with the Athletics.
In terms of the other three PED violations that resulted in discipline, they were one for Clostebol (Philadelphia Phillies infielder Freddy Galvis, 50 games), one for Tamoxifen (free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd, 50 games), and one for Clenbuterol (San Francisco Giants pitcher Guillermo Mota who received a 100 game suspension for a second PED violation. His first was Nov 1 of 2006 while with the Mets).
As part of the new labor agreement— and a historic first, the league—the sides agreed to and conducted blood testing for human-growth hormone (hGH) this past season. The tests were all conducted during Spring Training, and for 2012, there was no in-season blood draws for testing. Of the 5,136 tests, there were 1,181 blood tests for hGH. The league and union are nearing changes to the policy that could be announced shortly, and with it, it is possible that testing during the regular season could occur as the current labor agreement states that the sides will look into the “possibility of implementing in-season testing.” This will also be the first full offseason in which random offseason testing will occur. The drug policy does not state how many tests for hGH can occur during that time. The drug policy states that the blood draws “will be tested for the presence of hGH only.”
READ THE LATEST MLB/MLBPA DRUG AGREEMENT
Below is a breakdown of what substances resulted in discipline:
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Adverse Analytical Findings
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Substances
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#
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Performance Enhancing Substances
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7
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| Clenbuterol |
1 |
| Clostebol |
1 |
| Tamoxifen |
1 |
| Testosterone |
4 |
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Stimulants
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11
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| Adderall |
10 |
| d-amphetamine |
1 |
Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), which allow a player to use banned substances based upon approved medical needs, totaled 119 in the report, up from 111 last year when there were 105 were for attention deficit disorder, two for hypertension, one for hypogonadism, one for narcolepsy, and two for postconcussion syndrome.
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Theraputic Use Exemptions (TUEs)
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Exemption
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#
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| Attention Deficit Disorder |
116 |
| Hypertension |
2
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| Hypogonadism |
1
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Total
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119
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There are other changes that have taken place with this being the first report after the new labor agreement…
- Gone is Bryan Smith as the independent drug program administrator. He was replaced with Jeffrey M. Anderson.
- This is the first season in which the exact substance that a player was suspended for was released.
- Starting with the 2012-2013 off-season, players will be subject to random unannounced testing for hGH.
Source: Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Player's Association
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Thursday, 29 November 2012 13:27 |
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When it comes to baseball’s offseason, you could argue the end of November and into December leading up to the Holidays are the most active outside the diamond. The Winter Meetings begin December, End of Year payrolls and info on any clubs that break the Luxury Tax ceiling take place. In late November, it’s postseason shares, and the MLB Players Association having their Executive Board meetings.
To the MLBPA, yesterday they announced their biennial player-officer elections, and with it, there are some new and old faces.
Returning to their posts as Association Player Representatives—the highest elected positions in the union for the players— are Curtis Granderson of the Yankees and Jeremy Guthrie from the Royals. Justin Masterson of the Indians was elected Alternate Association Player Representative, joining returnee Carlos Villanueva who is currently a free agent.
Chris Capuano of the Dodgers returns as one of two Pension Committee Representatives to serve alongside newcomer Craig Breslow of the Red Sox. Returning as Alternate Pension Committee Representatives are Ross Ohlendorf and Kevin Slowey, both of whom are currently free agents.
In accordance with the Union’s Constitution and By-Laws, elections for Association Player Representatives and Alternates and Pension Committee Representatives and Alternates are held during Executive Board meetings in even-numbered years. Each of the above players will serve a two-year term meaning the next time election results are announced will be in late Nov. of 2014.
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 28 November 2012 12:17 |
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The Winter Meetings don’t start until next week, but that doesn’t mean job opportunities in baseball aren’t here today. The following via MLB.com may be of interest to you seeking work in MLB. - Maury Brown
MLB.com, the official web site of Major League Baseball, is seeking stats stringers to cover these clubs in 2013 and beyond:
Baltimore/DC (both clubs)
Houston
Kansas City
Oakland/SF (both clubs)
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
San Diego
Seattle
Texas (Arlington)
Toronto
Stats stringers are responsible for digitally scoring games from the MLB ballparks, which provides the data used in the live content applications on MLB.com, including Gameday and MLB.TV, real-time highlights and text alerts, and by our business partners. This is a perfect part-time job for a diligent, responsible employee who happens to be a big baseball fan.
Responsibilities include:
- Arrive at the ballpark no later than one hour prior to the scheduled start time;
- Double-check and verify all pre-game information: rosters, umpires, weather conditions, etc.;
- During the game, enter the results of every pitch and game event (plays, substitutions, etc.) using our proprietary software and coding language;
- Work closely with our game-night support staff (via AOL Instant Messenger) to ensure proper scoring of all game events and accuracy of data;
- After the game, enter all post-game information: winning and losing pitcher, saves, holds, time and attendance
- Validate all stats in software box score against the official box score provided by the Official Scorer, and print out a final box score and game text for the club PR staff
Qualifications include:
- Previous experience (including pressbox exposure) with a professional or college sports team, preferably baseball;
- Exceptional (and demonstrable) knowledge of baseball and how to score a baseball game;
- Strong computer proficiency (Windows OS and Windows-based software) and the ability to quickly learn and operate new software;
- Regular availability to attend games in-person as required by the schedule: weekdays, nights and weekends;
- A "team player" with a great attitude, including but not limited to a willingness to make and learn from mistakes and the ability to work closely and cooperatively (and take direction from) our game-night staff;
- Professionalism. It's a fun job and we pay people to watch baseball, but it's also an important job and we want people who will take the responsibility seriously.
(New stringers undergo an 8-10 week correspondence training program, and co-score several practice games in the ballpark with a returning stringer, before scoring any games solo in the ballpark.)
Those interested in applying should send a resume and cover later, addressing the above-listed qualifications, to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ONLY those who reply to this e-mail address will be considered, and due to volume, we may be unable to respond to all applicants.
Source: MLB.com
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 09 November 2012 19:32 |
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You could say these players batted 1.000. A new system where clubs offer a “qualifying offer” of $13.3 million for the upcoming season to potential free agents got its first test, and with it, all nine players that were made the offers rejected them. In doing so, the clubs will now get a compensatory pick in the upcoming Rule 4 draft, and the players that rejected the offers are now free agents. This doesn’t mean a player can’t re-sign with their former club, it simply means that the player is now a free agent. Of the nine, one has already re-signed with their former club. Designated hitter, David Ortiz rejected the one-year, $13.3 million offer as he and the Red Sox reached a two-year, $26 million deal that with incentives, could push to $30 million.
The following are the nine players that rejected the qualifying offers, thus becoming free agents:
*Reached deal before today's deadline
Source: MLB Players Association
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He writes for Baseball Prospectus and is a contributor to Forbes. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter |
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