[DC 86]

The commissioner is the puppet always.

Generally agree; however, I think the divergent interests of owners is a lot greater in MLB, than in football, where there is significant revenue sharing.  I mean, isn't one of the biggest sticking points in current CB negotiations the level at which luxury tax kicks in?  Players and Big Revenue Owners want that number relatively higher; small market teams want it as low as possible.  That's a pretty significant hurdle to a unified ownership front.

Absolutely true, owners have different agendas, not just on the CBT but on every issue, e.g. minimum salary and pre-arbitration length are vital to clubs that want to operate with the lowest possible payroll. A new CBA needs 23/30 owners to approve it so a stubborn minority bloc has a lot of power. I'm not an Manfred admirer but I recognize that he does have a difficult situation to balance.

[DC 86]

The commissioner is the puppet always.

Generally agree; however, I think the divergent interests of owners is a lot greater in MLB, than in football, where there is significant revenue sharing.  I mean, isn't one of the biggest sticking points in current CB negotiations the level at which luxury tax kicks in?  Players and Big Revenue Owners want that number relatively higher; small market teams want it as low as possible.  That's a pretty significant hurdle to a unified ownership front.

Absolutely true, owners have different agendas, not just on the CBT but on every issue, e.g. minimum salary and pre-arbitration length are vital to clubs that want to operate with the lowest possible payroll. A new CBA needs 23/30 owners to approve it so a stubborn minority bloc has a lot of power. I'm not an Manfred admirer but I recognize that he does have a difficult situation to balance.