Yasny's so old his Math ACT was XXVIII.

 

LMAO!

Ok thanks guys it is becoming much more clear. But what is to stop the sox from giving everyone of those players the league minimum? Is it just good will and buisness and about keeping people happy to set up for the future the reason they give people more money? or are the raises in contract?

 

Technically there is nothing to stop them from paying the minimum, but it is really stupid in practice. All the teams negotiate out small raises with most of the players. If they are good teams will pay them more.

Allright thanks everyone I guess "sox sign 17" isnt really the case then, its more like "the sox negotiate small raises to 17 already bound by contract"

Allright thanks everyone I guess "sox sign 17" isnt really the case then, its more like "the sox negotiate small raises to 17 already bound by contract" 

 

But Sox sign 17 just sounds so much more Sexy.

But Sox sign 17 just sounds so much more Sexy.

Agreed

Basically the owners have formed a cabal and when a talented young American baseball player comes out of high school or college he is only allowed to negotiate with one team, this is the draft. His choices at that time are to sign or sit out until the next years draft. Only the most promising players, such as JD Drew, Joe Borchard or Jared Weaver can take real advantage of this leverage. For most it is take it or leave it.

 

Once signed a player is bound to the club in the minor leagues for 6 years, at which time he can elect free agency. Until 6 years of service he can accept the club’s offer each year or retire.

 

If he makes the big leagues he is bound to that team for an additional of 2 years of ML service. There are minimum salaries agreed to by the union. After 2 years, if a player is in the top 17% of all players according to a rating system agreed to by the union, or after 3 years of ML service for everybody else he is eligible for salary arbitration -but cannot negotiate with any other team.

 

After 6 years service MLB, a player may opt for free agency and is able to negotiate with any team. If he is a good player, this is the first time in his career he can negotiate with more than one team.