Union head Michael Weiner to work cheap - MLB

Michael Weiner headshot.jpg SportsBusiness Journal reports that MLBPA head Michael Weiner is going to continue his predecessor Donald Fehr’s tradition of taking $1 million a year in salary. You may say that’s not exactly “working cheap,” but (a) that salary has remained flat since 1990, meaning that in real terms the MLBPA head has taken annual pay cuts; and (b) compared to their counterparts in other sports unions Fehr and Weiner are utter bargains.

Gene Upshaw, for example, made $6 million in the last year before his death. I know Gene Upshaw. I watched Mr. Upshaw work. Mr. Fehr and Mr. Weiner are no Gene Upshaws. And I mean that as a compliment to Fehr and Weiner.

No matter what you think of the players’ union, there is no escaping that it is one of the most successful unions in all of organized labor, not just sports labor. The fact that their Executive Directors make less than most team’s utility infielders make them among the best deals in sports.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.