February 20, 2008
How to Negotiate
Evan Grant praises the way the Ian Kinsler deal came about:
The negotiations took the entire offseason and there were some hurt feelings on both sides of the negotiations along the way. But in mid-January, Jon Daniels, Thad Levine and Kinsler's lead agent, Jay Franklin, put aside the tension that can build during protracted negotiations and put Kinsler first.
The Rangers probably didn't want to go above $20 million. The Kinsler camp probably wanted a guarantee closer to the $27 million that Brandon Phillips got from Cincinnati for four years. In the end, though, they reached a compromise that represents neither a "win" for the Daniels/Levine or for Franklin. What it does represent is a win for Kinsler and for partnership. Being willing to work as a legitimate partner will help the Rangers in negotiations with free agents more than any recruiting pitches or video presentations.
That's a great point. It's one Major League Baseball and the MLBPA should embrace when dealing with each other. They're partners, not adversaries.