In the past week, the owners and player's union in Major League Baseball agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. This prevents a lockout similar to what shortened the NBA season in 2011. The changes agreed upon will only be noticed by the biggest die-hard baseball fans. Nevertheless, here are the changes and what they will mean for most MLB teams.
The disabled list (for players that get hurt) has new rules. The minimum number of days players have to be on the disabled list is reduced to 10 days from 15 days. This impacts all pitchers because a starter can now go on the DL and only miss one start instead of 2-3 starts.
For the last decade, the league that wins the All-Star game received home-field advantage for the World Series. This should make the All-Star game more entertaining because managers will be playing players that are fun to watch instead of trying to win the game. For example, now we can watch players like Derek Jeter play most of the All-Star game in their farewell season even though they are past their prime. Considering the American League's domination of the All-Star game, National League teams should be very excited about this change because it gives them a better chance to gain home field advantage.
Other changes include an updated luxury tax, international signing rules, and more off days. However, the most important part of this deal, is that they signed it. Baseball will start on opening day in April just like any other season. And that is what every baseball fan wants.
