Clark is amid a process in which he will meet with every team in baseball in spring training, and he addressed the main issues that the union sees in the sport. One was the practice by teams to delay the start of top prospects' free-agent clocks by not calling them up until several weeks into the new season. The logic for the teams is they then control the player for an extra year.
Down the line, that delays the player's big payday. And Bryce Harper agreeing to a 13-year, $330-million deal with the Phillies on Thursday didn't change how the union views the topic at all.
"The reason they are making this decision is because of the economic part of it," Clark said. "I will also add this: There are undoubtedly players who are recognized as top young players in our game (whom) fans would like to come out and see from day one -- from day one. I am a fan. I also have this job and responsibility, but I am a fan. My son is a fan. His friends are fans. When an article came out a week into spring training that suggested this particular player is not likely to break camp, they are asking me that question too -- why wasn't he in the big leagues last year?' My only response is the system allows for him not to be, that they are making a business decision not to do it. Not that he can't help that team win a game that night or that he can't put that club over the course of 162 to win a ballgame. I can appreciate your acknowledgment that a number of fans may voice concerns and then appreciate the player being around longer. I would voice that there are other fans who would say they are excited to see the most talented players we have to be on the field so they can watch them."
Without saying it explicitly, Clark hinted that Bryant's case is still open and ongoing. He then elaborated on the issue in general.
"We believe certain situations are more evident than others when it comes to a manipulation," Clark said. "As a result, the best players not being on the field at all times is not a benefit for the industry."
Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks confirmed that Clark spoke at length about the service time issue.
"As players, our focus is out on the field," said Hendricks, who threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut Thursday afternoon. "We want to see the best product on the field. We want to play against the best competition and have that for the fans."