Strike shouldn't force minor leagues to halt play

Sporting News, The, August 1, 1994 by Steve Marantz

As in the past, minor league baseball likely will go forward if major league clubs and players allow a collective-bargaining standoff to stop their games. Still, minor league owners and players will be watching the dispute closely.

A strike date for August could be set this week, barring a sudden and unexpected softening by either side. The major league players rejected the clubs' salary-cap proposal last week and offered a counterproposal, which retains the current system modified only by what they describe as "tinkering around the edges." The clubs were expected to reject the counterproposal.

There are about 5,000 minor league players and fewer than 10 percent are represented in collective bargaining by the Major League Players Association. Most minor leaguers are covered under a separate agreement Major League Baseball has with minor league club owners.

But a strike could affect the minor leagues several ways. First, in a far-fetched scenario, clubs could shut down minor league play. Minor league systems produce costs, not revenues. Clubs might be tempted to shut down their minor league teams to save money. However, interim commissioner Bud Selig has said the clubs would not take this step. Additionally, their right to do so is disputed by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, an umbrella group for minor league clubs.

Second, clubs could choose to play games by importing minor leaguers as strikebreakers. Richard Ravitch, chief negotiator for the owners, says, "There are no plans to do that now." But the possibility exists, particularly if the standoff proves intractable. However, a strikebreaking attempt would hinge on finding enough minor leaguers willing to cross the line - a questionable proposition - and on major league clubs finding a way to satisfy their obligations to supply "skilled" players to minor league clubs.

The union doubts the clubs could find enough strikebreakers among minor leaguers. "Baseball players come in many shapes and sizes but not as football players," says Eugene Orza, union associate counsel, referring to the NFL's use of strikebreakers in 1987.

Another impact on minor league clubs might result from the actions of the 420 or so minor leaguers who are listed on the 40-man major league rosters with so-called "split" major/minor contracts. These players are the cream of minor league teams in many cases. The clubs do not consider them as part of the union, even though the union bargains for their rights and their minor league salaries could be affected by new major league minimum salary levels. Some split-contract players have told the union they are ready to strike; however, the union has advised them to continue to play. Historically, the split-contract players have played during work stoppages.

Other impacts on minor leagues might result from changes in the major league collective-bargaining agreement relating to the amateur draft, reserve list and bonuses.

"Anything involving acquisition, procurement and retention of players indirectly affects us," says Pat O'Conner, chief operating officer of the National Association.