Episode 1196: A Minor-League Pitcher Explains Minor-League Pay

## Summary

*Ben Lindbergh and Jeff Sullivan banter about an update on the fate of the indy leagues, their rapid playoff predictions for 2018, the inaugural journey of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen cart, juiced-ball precedents from the 1920s and 1930s, what spring stats are saying about the season to come, and a Dennis Sarfate extension. Then they talk to Brewers minor-league pitcher Jonathan Perrin(18:30) about the so-called Save America’s Pastime Act, minor-league pay and working conditions, what teams could and should do to improve minor-league development, what major leaguers could do to help the minor leaguers’ cause, his legal aspirations and investment advice, having interests outside of baseball, his first professional hit, and more.*

## Topics

* How does Jonathan keep himself available for both starting and rotation work?
* Has Jonathan changed anything in his pitches or just kept the status quo.
* Has Jonathan been instructed to change anything to combat the power jump in baseball?
* How long will Jonathan be able to keep playing baseball before thinking about a career change.
* Minor league pay structure and lodging.
* What was Jonathans living situation in Biloxi?
* How do you make ends meet in the offseason?
* Is it possible to have a normal sleep schedule in the minors?
* If money was no object to MLB what things could teams do to to help minor leaguers development.
* Is it possible to makes changes and still have a viable shot in MLB?
* Will the market this past offseason effect the minor leagues?
* How did Jonathan find out about the bill that passed, and what is the awareness level in the minor leagues?
* How would Jonathan make the strongest argument for more pay or at least a 12 month pay structure?
* What is the dynamic between the bonus money guys and the other minor league players?
* Is there jealousy when a guy gets called up?
* Is there a sense that major league players aren't sticking up for minor league players.
* Do you want to work with the players union once your career is done and you start as a lawyer?
* Is there any investment advice to other minor league players?
* Is Jonathan concerned about the thoughts about guys with outside interests?
* Is there any outlook for change in minor league pay?
* Jonathan’s first hit.

## Banter

* The players union is looking for employees.
* The fangraphs article about the indy leagues possible survival.
* Ben and Jeff's season preview.
* The Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen cart.
* Ball changes throughout history.
* Overall stats for spring training.
* Dennis Sarfate extension in Japan.

## Notes

* Jeff says he's an asshole for picking a Yankees world series win over the Cubs on a Chicago midday show on Tuesday.
* Ben thinks Giancarlo Stanton will have a higher OPS than Aaron Judge.
* The bullpen cart moves slower than the players just running in.
* From 1931 - 1933 there were 2 models of baseball used, a more offensive friendly ball in the AL.
* Johnathan is going to play until someone says he can't.
* Starting salary in A ball is 1100 a month and only when the season is in session, AA is 1600 a month, and AAA is 2500 a month.
* Once your in upper levels you are on your own for living and food, but it varies by organization.
* Jonathan says housing and a 12 month salary structure would be best for lower level players.
* Jonathan found out about the bill from twitter.
* Jonathan says development is the best reason to invest more in the minor leagues.
* Jonathan definitely wants to be a representative for the players.

## Links

* https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/effectively-wild-episode-1196-a-minor-league-pitcher-explains-minor-league-pay/
* https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/whither-the-independent-leagues/
* https://twitter.com/CindyBrunsonAZ/status/978491224125448192
* https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/3/28/17171162/spring-training-home-run-strikeout-stats-three-true-outcomes-trend
* http://baseballspast.com/