[Mick]

Key elements:

1. International draft by 2024.
2. If Intl draft in place, draft-pick compensation is eliminated.
3. Bonus pool for players with 1-3 years service time.
4. New CB starts at $330 million in 2022, increases over 5 year CBA.
5. $50 million bonus pool for pre-arbitration players.
6. New minimum salary at $700k, increasing $20k ever year.

Players voted 26-12 in favor of the deal.  Once ratified, the lockout is over, free agency opens immediately, teams can deal with other clubs.

[Mick]

Key elements:

1. International draft by 2024.
2. If Intl draft in place, draft-pick compensation is eliminated.
3. Bonus pool for players with 1-3 years service time.
4. New CB starts at $330 million in 2022, increases over 5 year CBA.
5. $50 million bonus pool for pre-arbitration players.
6. New minimum salary at $700k, increasing $20k ever year.

Players voted 26-12 in favor of the deal.  Once ratified, the lockout is over, free agency opens immediately, teams can deal with other clubs.

[Phogge]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

[Phogge]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

[lex24]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

[lex24]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

[Phogge]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

I guess you didn't like Dr. Strangelove Lex.

[Phogge]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

I guess you didn't like Dr. Strangelove Lex.

[BobK]

An agreement ? Real news or??

[BobK]

An agreement ? Real news or??

[lex24]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

I guess you didn't like Dr. Strangelove Lex.

Loved it. Sellers’ Tour De Force. Not to mention Colonel Ripper (Sterlin Hayden I think) and Slim Pickens. 

 But I guess my sense of humor is lost in this one.  Thus, my overreaction.

---

An agreement ?  Real news or??

Yes.  Season to open April 6.  Edit- April 7. 162 games. They will play some doubleheaders. Real ones. 9 innings.  The extra innings ghost runner is gone.  12 team playoffs.  Universal DH.  And, my favorite, shift banned beginning in ‘23.

Oh and there were money issues as well…..  But I focus on the field stuff.

[lex24]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Jeez Phogge.

I guess you didn't like Dr. Strangelove Lex.

Loved it. Sellers’ Tour De Force. Not to mention Colonel Ripper (Sterlin Hayden I think) and Slim Pickens. 

 But I guess my sense of humor is lost in this one.  Thus, my overreaction.

---

An agreement ?  Real news or??

Yes.  Season to open April 6.  Edit- April 7. 162 games. They will play some doubleheaders. Real ones. 9 innings.  The extra innings ghost runner is gone.  12 team playoffs.  Universal DH.  And, my favorite, shift banned beginning in ‘23.

Oh and there were money issues as well…..  But I focus on the field stuff.

[BobK]

Shift banned ? Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty.
Socialism come to baseball

[BobK]

Shift banned ? Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty.
Socialism come to baseball

[Phogge]

OK, so Crawford is playing one step from second base and Webb starts his windup. Who is checking to see whether Craw moves to the right side on the windup? Are they also saying that the infielders have to stay on the dirt?

I'm for it because they basically took away the old adage of hitting the ball up the middle.

Lex, I loved the Keenan Wynn character Col 'Bat Guano.'

[Phogge]

OK, so Crawford is playing one step from second base and Webb starts his windup. Who is checking to see whether Craw moves to the right side on the windup? Are they also saying that the infielders have to stay on the dirt?

I'm for it because they basically took away the old adage of hitting the ball up the middle.

Lex, I loved the Keenan Wynn character Col 'Bat Guano.'

[lex24]

Shift  banned ?  Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty. 
Socialism come to baseball

Completely in favor of banning the shift.

---

OK, so Crawford is playing one step from second base and Webb starts his windup. Who is checking to see whether Craw moves to the right side on the windup? Are they also saying that the infielders have to stay on the dirt?

I'm for it because they basically took away the old adage of hitting the ball up the middle.

Lex, I loved the Keenan Wynn character Col 'Bat Guano.'

Details will be worked out.  My guess is can’t play on outfield turf and 2 on each side.    What I can’t stand is the one hop shot  to short right for an out.  Also agree with Phogge that it will be nice to open middle up a bit.

---

Shift  banned ?  Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty. 
Socialism come to baseball

Well, Bernie is going to seek an end to the anti-trust exemption…..

[lex24]

Shift  banned ?  Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty. 
Socialism come to baseball

Completely in favor of banning the shift.

---

OK, so Crawford is playing one step from second base and Webb starts his windup. Who is checking to see whether Craw moves to the right side on the windup? Are they also saying that the infielders have to stay on the dirt?

I'm for it because they basically took away the old adage of hitting the ball up the middle.

Lex, I loved the Keenan Wynn character Col 'Bat Guano.'

Details will be worked out.  My guess is can’t play on outfield turf and 2 on each side.    What I can’t stand is the one hop shot  to short right for an out.  Also agree with Phogge that it will be nice to open middle up a bit.

---

Shift  banned ?  Really. Ted Willians says why now why not 1940

Next no curves righty tonrighty or lefty to lefty. 
Socialism come to baseball

Well, Bernie is going to seek an end to the anti-trust exemption…..

[Goose]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

[Goose]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

[Phogge]

Those senators like their free tickets. Doubt Bernie can pass his legislation but I hope he does.

[Phogge]

Those senators like their free tickets. Doubt Bernie can pass his legislation but I hope he does.

[lex24]

One interesting facet of the vote.  The players have an 8 player executive subcommittee.  Those 8 players (Scherzer, Semien, Linder, Andrew Miller, Zack Britton, James Paxton, Jason Castro and Gerrit Cole) voted unanimously AGAINST the CBA. ALL 8 are high salary players. 5 are Boras clients.  Team vote went 26-4. Mets, Yankees, Astros, Cardinals voted no.

[lex24]

One interesting facet of the vote.  The players have an 8 player executive subcommittee.  Those 8 players (Scherzer, Semien, Linder, Andrew Miller, Zack Britton, James Paxton, Jason Castro and Gerrit Cole) voted unanimously AGAINST the CBA. ALL 8 are high salary players. 5 are Boras clients.  Team vote went 26-4. Mets, Yankees, Astros, Cardinals voted no.

[Phogge]

What is Watson’s defense? Mass hysteria?

[Phogge]

What is Watson’s defense? Mass hysteria?

[teejers1]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

[teejers1]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

[DC 86]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

[DC 86]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

[teejers1]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

Your answer makes sense - particularly if Watson gets paid no matter what.

But I did stumble across this while looking for an answer on exempt list payments.  
Of course, there is nothing authoritative about this answer, just one guy's opinion (as far as I can tell):

Q.  Who pays the NFL player's salary while he is on the Commissioner's exempt list?

A.  Players on the Commissioner’s Exempt List are considered to be on leave and can be paid or not. 
Teams don’t have to count them on their active roster, and only Roger Goodell can put a player on or take them off the list.

[teejers1]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

Your answer makes sense - particularly if Watson gets paid no matter what.

But I did stumble across this while looking for an answer on exempt list payments.  
Of course, there is nothing authoritative about this answer, just one guy's opinion (as far as I can tell):

Q.  Who pays the NFL player's salary while he is on the Commissioner's exempt list?

A.  Players on the Commissioner’s Exempt List are considered to be on leave and can be paid or not. 
Teams don’t have to count them on their active roster, and only Roger Goodell can put a player on or take them off the list.

[Phogge]

I believe the women. He should be banned for life.

[Phogge]

I believe the women. He should be banned for life.

[DC 86]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

Your answer makes sense - particularly if Watson gets paid no matter what.

But I did stumble across this while looking for an answer on exempt list payments.  
Of course, there is nothing authoritative about this answer, just one guy's opinion (as far as I can tell):

Q.  Who pays the NFL player's salary while he is on the Commissioner's exempt list?

A.  Players on the Commissioner’s Exempt List are considered to be on leave and can be paid or not. 
Teams don’t have to count them on their active roster, and only Roger Goodell can put a player on or take them off the list.

I don't believe that is correct, I believe placement on the exempt list is the equivalent of being on paid administrative leave. Perhaps technically a player can be placed on the exempt list without being paid but all players that I know of who've been on the list (Reuben Foster, Kareem Hunt et al) were paid in full. A player needs to be suspended in order to withhold pay, and if he's suspended then there's no reason to place him on the exempt list. The NBC Sports link that I found states that: "While on the commissioner's exempt list, a player is paid as if he were on the active roster." In any case, Watson is been paid, I believe he would have to be afforded a disciplinary hearing and subsequently suspended in order to withhold his pay, and the NFL hasn't taken that action at this point.

[DC 86]

Maybe someone in the Houston front office has a heart and decided that even if not suspended no way will we play a sexual bully.

Not sure whether it was having a heart or a cold-blooded evaluation of the publicity hit playing him would have created. Either way, they pretty much had no choice.

Well, Houston could have played him - and then forced the NFL to step in and say "no, he cannot."  Then they don't have to pay him . . . (but maybe that's not right.  Don't know if players on Commissioner's list still get paid).  I'm not sure what the practical difference is between Houston playing him last season and another team playing him in the future - and barring criminal conviction (which is highly unlikely, imo), some team is going to play him.  The allegations will all still be there, even if the cases are settled . . . hell, they'll be there even if the jury reaches a verdict after trial (and who really thinks these cases will be tried?).

The NFL told the Texans that if they tried to play Watson that he would be placed on the exempt list. Either way he would be paid his full salary. Given that 1) he didn't want to play for Houston, 2) it was a P.R. problem, 3) they hoped to trade him; it was in the Texans, the league's and Watson's interests for things to play out as they have.

Your answer makes sense - particularly if Watson gets paid no matter what.

But I did stumble across this while looking for an answer on exempt list payments.  
Of course, there is nothing authoritative about this answer, just one guy's opinion (as far as I can tell):

Q.  Who pays the NFL player's salary while he is on the Commissioner's exempt list?

A.  Players on the Commissioner’s Exempt List are considered to be on leave and can be paid or not. 
Teams don’t have to count them on their active roster, and only Roger Goodell can put a player on or take them off the list.

I don't believe that is correct, I believe placement on the exempt list is the equivalent of being on paid administrative leave. Perhaps technically a player can be placed on the exempt list without being paid but all players that I know of who've been on the list (Reuben Foster, Kareem Hunt et al) were paid in full. A player needs to be suspended in order to withhold pay, and if he's suspended then there's no reason to place him on the exempt list. The NBC Sports link that I found states that: "While on the commissioner's exempt list, a player is paid as if he were on the active roster." In any case, Watson is been paid, I believe he would have to be afforded a disciplinary hearing and subsequently suspended in order to withhold his pay, and the NFL hasn't taken that action at this point.

[Giants]

Some additional items in the new CBA…

1.  Beginning in 2023, teams will play all other teams in both leagues.  The increase in inter-league games will come at the expense of intra-divisional games.  The exact numbers have not been determined.

2.  Increasing the size of bases is a possibility beginning in 2023. Note: the shift has not been banned in 2023 yet. It will be a discussion item along with a pitch clock and the aforementioned base size issue.

3.  No Rule 5 draft this year.  Seth Corry will be in the Giants organization (unless traded) for at least one more season. 

4.  Teams can only option players to the minors five times per season (this could impact our local nine as the Sacramento to San Francisco daily express will be reduced).

5. Every team will be permitted a maximum of 13 pitchers on the roster at any given time. Note: this rule may be suspended in the early part of the season as pitchers slowly ramp up.

[Giants]

Some additional items in the new CBA…

1.  Beginning in 2023, teams will play all other teams in both leagues.  The increase in inter-league games will come at the expense of intra-divisional games.  The exact numbers have not been determined.

2.  Increasing the size of bases is a possibility beginning in 2023. Note: the shift has not been banned in 2023 yet. It will be a discussion item along with a pitch clock and the aforementioned base size issue.

3.  No Rule 5 draft this year.  Seth Corry will be in the Giants organization (unless traded) for at least one more season. 

4.  Teams can only option players to the minors five times per season (this could impact our local nine as the Sacramento to San Francisco daily express will be reduced).

5. Every team will be permitted a maximum of 13 pitchers on the roster at any given time. Note: this rule may be suspended in the early part of the season as pitchers slowly ramp up.

[Mick]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Hopefully Opening Day...

---

I believe the women. He should be banned for life.

For me, that's a variation on the old "If-you-meet-an-a*hole-in-the-morning,-you-met-an-asshole;-if-you-meet-a*holes-all-day-you're-the-a*hole" meme.  I don't believe 100% of women 100% of time.  Track record and volume makes an argument.  I've known a few exceptional men who've had their lives ruined by predatory women who lie like crazy.  When I see and hear something that's very out of character, I have questions.  Lots of them.

If it's one woman, I am very skeptical.  If it's two, I believe the woman more than the men.  In Watson's case, 22 women have made accusations.  I think he belongs in jail.

[Mick]

What happens first:

Opening Day? Global thermonuclear war?

Hopefully Opening Day...

---

I believe the women. He should be banned for life.

For me, that's a variation on the old "If-you-meet-an-a*hole-in-the-morning,-you-met-an-asshole;-if-you-meet-a*holes-all-day-you're-the-a*hole" meme.  I don't believe 100% of women 100% of time.  Track record and volume makes an argument.  I've known a few exceptional men who've had their lives ruined by predatory women who lie like crazy.  When I see and hear something that's very out of character, I have questions.  Lots of them.

If it's one woman, I am very skeptical.  If it's two, I believe the woman more than the men.  In Watson's case, 22 women have made accusations.  I think he belongs in jail.