Players union director defends Dodgers’ offseason, points out real problem with MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers and their $390 million payroll are ruining baseball. At least, that's what some MLB team owners will have you believe.

Some owners – notably, Hal Steinbrenner of the New York Yankees – have bemoaned the aggressive spending in free agency by teams like the Dodgers and New York Mets, claiming it creates a payroll disparity and makes it impossible for other teams (particularly those in smaller markets) to compete. However, the MLB Players Association, led by executive director Tony Clark, think that it's the owners who aren't spending deserve more of the blame.

“It's interesting that more questions aren't being asked of those teams," Clark said (via Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY). “We're in a climate where there have been releases highlighting how well the industry is doing, and that the revenue in the industry is growing at all-time highs, and yet we've got two-thirds of the league that seems to be sitting on its hands."

Tony Clark defends Dodgers offseason and points out real problem with MLB

To Clark's point, only five free agents received contracts of at least five years this offseason, as 22 of the 30 Major League teams lowered their total payroll. Just eight teams have accounted for about 75% of the nearly $3.2 billion spent in free agency this offseason, while 14 teams have spent less than $45 million. As Clark and the players' union see it, team owners who refuse to spend on talent aren't serious about winning, and that's hurting the landscape most.

“It was good to see a team involved in improving itself and accessing the free agent market to do so," Clark said. “It will be exciting when all 30 teams are looking to be the last team standing."

How about that?! More competition for the Dodgers in free agency. They can't sign everyone! Rosters only have 26 regular players.

Instead of vilifying the Dodgers ownership, Clark said perhaps other teams should try to emulate them. Take the deferred money strategy, for example; critics of the Dodgers are complaining that they found a loophole to avoid exceeding the competitive balance tax threshold, but there's no reason that other teams can't follow suit and execute the strategy themselves.

Money doesn't always buy championships, but spending it shows a desire to win them.

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