I guess Scott Boras is getting worried about his market for A-Rod and the fact that there is a younger, less expensive, productive player at his position messing with his market.  I’m sure Boras, who is in constant contact with the Player’s Association said something.  Too bad!  It’s not collusion for GMs to have a discussion about needs.  “I need a third baseman, what do you need.”  “I need a closer….”   Isn’t that what GMs do anyway? 

The collusion lawsuit in the 1980’s was about teams deliberately not signing the free agents from other teams even though they had a need for that player – which caused the market for the player to bottom out and then the player signed a low-ball contract from his current team.  I think Andre Dawson was one of the premiere players at the time who was tired of playing for Les Expos who was affected. 

This situation is different.  I don’t think there is an intentional shying away from A-Rod – could it be that teams just don’t want to spend a large proportion of their payroll on one player?  Unless the MLBPA do not want GMs talking at all about trades- we’ll only have free agency!  Sounds like sour grapes to me. Â