[Qeltar]

I guess I interpreted "shopping around" as "making a few discreet calls to some GMs" and not something that would very easily get back to the player. Maybe I was wrong.

As for the clubhouse thing, honestly, I don't think it's done terribly well either. All you really need to do is get a captain (and they are easy to get), get rid of any obvious troublemakers, and win a few games, and it all works out. Has for me anyway, even with a sub-500 team. But the players still act like a bunch of brats. Even ones whose personality says they shouldn't. Even when the team has the best winning percentage in the league.

The negotiation system is IMO in need of a total overhaul. I actually avoid even talking to players about extensions for fear that I will offend someone's tender sensibilities by not offering him enough millions of dollars at a time when he is years from free agency. It's silly.

Young players should treat managers and GMs with nearly complete deference. That doesn't mean letting them take advantage of them, it just means being respectful and polite. If the goal is challenge, then great -- make them tough negotiators, like some of the GMs. But the prima donna stuff and "I don't want to talk to you any more" petulance should IMO be deep-sixed.

I remember at the end of last season, I offered a minor league contract to some sub-replacement-level pitcher I had gotten in a trade. He sent me an email acting all outraged and going on about "how could I make him this offer after all we've been through together" or something. This guy had never played in the majors, so we had never "been through" anything. He demanded a major league contract even though he barely was good enough for AAA. As if any young player, especially with marginal skills, would ever act like that.