It's wasn't bad until the owners and GMs finally got smart and aren't over paying. There were routine 7, 8, 9 and 10 year deals that rarely worked for the team but were great for the players. A rod, Puljols, Hampton, Stanton. None of them really worked out for the team. This is just a market correction. The no salary cap and guaranteed contract model has worked in the players favor for 40 years. If they want to change it, they will need to give up something substantial in the next CBA.