House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves GM’s interview sparks instant overreaction from MLBPA

By Fred Owens

The an innocent statement by Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos caused MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark, (second from left) to start and immediate investigation. No on elese seems to consider the statement important, but clark is looking for any reason to confront MLB Owners. The friendly atmosphere between Clark and Commissioner Robert Manfred (third from the left) isn't going to last long.Also shown are John Franco and Marquis Grissom on Manfred left, Ken Griffey Jr.on his right Clark, Curtis Granderson of the New York Mets, and Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates at a photo after a press conference on youth initiatives hosted by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association at Citi Field in 2016. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The an innocent statement by Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos caused MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark, (second from left) to start and immediate investigation. No on elese seems to consider the statement important, but clark is looking for any reason to confront MLB Owners. The friendly atmosphere between Clark and Commissioner Robert Manfred (third from the left) isn't going to last long.Also shown are John Franco and Marquis Grissom on Manfred left, Ken Griffey Jr.on his right Clark, Curtis Granderson of the New York Mets, and Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates at a photo after a press conference on youth initiatives hosted by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association at Citi Field in 2016. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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While unlikely to cause a congressional hearing, the MLBPA started an investigation into an innocuous statement by Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, which might be an attempt to confront MLB over other issues. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) /

Perfectly reasonable comments by Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos give MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark an opening to fire a warning shot across MLB’s bow.

Today the MLBPA launched an investigation into recent comments from Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos during an interview with David O’Brien for the Athletic ($$).

In the interview, Anthopoulos stated the obvious:  teams cannot wait to begin preparations for their offseason.  They survey the free-agent market and contact other teams to get an idea of who might be available and what they might be looking for this winter.

"“We always take up until the last day (to make tender decisions) because things occur — trade scenarios, signings . . .We’ve got to make decisions on these players (now) because . . .their contracts dictated that we had to (decide now) . . .  examined the free-agent market. . .done a pretty good analysis now that the World Series is over. We could at least have general conversations with agents, just in terms of expressing interest."

Clark should be encouraging that kind of thing. Last year he complained that teams didn’t move soon enough. Here’s more of that statement.

"“Every day you get more information. And we’ve had time to connect with 27 of the clubs — obviously the Astros and (Nationals) being in the World Series . . . to get a sense of what the other clubs are going to look to do in free agency, who might be available in trades. So, the three weeks (provided) more information . . . that shaped some of the decisions (made) But . . . more information (is coming) things are certainly going to develop . . . and there will be a chain reaction with certain signings (so) maybe another player that’s not available . . . becomes available . . ."

There’s nothing wrong with anything he said or did, and certainly nothing to investigate. GMs talk to each other almost constantly in and out of season, to find out much the same things; are they thinking of trading a player? If so maybe I’m interested, call me.

Anthopoulos said the information he learned helped form the decisions on Nick Markakis, Tyler Flowers, and Julio Teheran. Then went on to say deals made this winter change player availability. Who knew?

Why then is Clark going high order over something that’s commonly done?  He wants a fight.

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