Former Mets Join the Network, MLB's New Salary Cap Offer and More
Episode 382 in brief: Rob and Chris from NY MLB Talk joined Nick and Harrison to announce that former Mets pitchers Eric Hillman and Bill Pulsipher are joining the Rounding Third Media Network with a new show, Left Hindered, launching Tuesday, December 1 at 7 p.m. ET. The hosts then break down MLB’s latest salary cap proposal and why the players’ union still hasn’t countered, the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz trial, the Mariners hiring 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as manager, the Hall of Fame’s Contemporary Era ballot, and a new edition of Follow the Path trivia.
Who Is Joining the Rounding Third Media Network?
Former New York Mets pitchers Eric Hillman and Bill Pulsipher are launching a new show on the network called Left Hindered. Rob and Chris from NY MLB Talk made the announcement and thanked Brian Kriz, who helped connect everyone and put the deal together.
Hillman pitched for the Mets from 1992 to 1994 before a career in Japan. Pulsipher was part of the Mets’ “Generation K” and went on to pitch for the Brewers, White Sox, Red Sox and Cardinals.
When does Left Hindered start?
Hillman and Pulsipher will start making the rounds on network shows beginning November 12, appearing on Rounding Third, NY MLB Talk, the 9521 Atlanta Podcast and more. Left Hindered officially launches Tuesday, December 1 at 7 p.m. ET, the same day the MLB collective bargaining agreement expires. Follow Left Hindered on Facebook now. YouTube and TikTok pages are on the way.
Why did two former big leaguers choose this network?
Nick said what sets them apart from other former players with podcasts is that they want fan interaction. They wanted a home where the audience is part of the show, where fans can ask questions and talk with them live. The hosts are especially looking forward to hearing a player’s perspective on the lockout.
More guests coming to NY MLB Talk
Rob also announced that NY MLB Talk is growing to about three shows a week, including a show built around guests. After a recent episode with actor and comedian Joey Gaynor drew a huge audience, Rob and Chris are working with an agent to book more athletes, actors and authors. They also plan to bring back their talk-radio-style format, where viewers join the stream to ask guests questions directly.
What Is MLB’s Latest Salary Cap Proposal?
MLB’s newest offer keeps the current system in place for 2027 and delays a salary cap until 2028. For 2028, owners proposed a hard cap of $258.2 million and a floor of $180.2 million. The proposal also accepts the union’s ask to lower free agency eligibility from six years of service to five for players at least 30 years old.
The union rejected it, calling the plan a system designed to line owners’ pockets, and repeated that it will never accept a salary cap.
Why haven’t the players countered?
Harrison’s view: the owners are winning the public relations battle by negotiating against themselves. Every time the union rejects a proposal, the owners come back with another one, while the players have yet to put a counteroffer on the table. He also pointed out that between teams that would have to spend up to the floor and teams that would have to come down to the cap, the proposed system has more payroll money available than teams spend today.
Nick noted that some of the former players who fought for free agency are now questioning today’s union. In his view, those players fought for basic rights and the future of the game, while today’s fight is about a bigger share of the pie.
Where the money would actually go
Both hosts argued the money doesn’t disappear under a cap. It just moves. A star who wants $30 million could still get it, but more likely from Kansas City, Miami or Colorado than Los Angeles or New York. That’s the point: spreading stars across all 30 teams gives every fan base a reason to believe.
They also tied the fight to ticket prices. Harrison said a Fenway trip for his family runs close to $1,000, while a night at a Portland Sea Dogs game costs about $100 for the whole outing.
When will the union make a counteroffer?
Harrison doesn’t expect one until after the first of the year. He thinks the union wants the owners to follow through with the lockout first, and that the players’ stance will make the lockout last longer than it has to.
For more on the cap fight, see our Episode 381 breakdown of spending, competitive balance and how a cap would change contracts.
What Is Happening in the Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz Trial?
The trial of the two former Guardians pitchers has started. Prosecutors accuse Clase of rigging at least 18 pitches across 17 games so bettors could win prop bets, with the two allegedly using “rooster” and “chicken” as clubhouse code. Both defenses argue the pitchers were exploited.
Neither host is buying it. Harrison called it the dumbest crime ever committed: Clase allegedly risked a career worth $15 to $20 million a year for a small cut of the winnings. Nick thinks Ortiz, charged with far fewer pitches, is the only one with a realistic chance of beating the charges. The scheme was originally flagged by a sportsbook that noticed unusual betting on specific pitches, which triggered a federal investigation.
Will Jason Kanzler Turn Around the Mariners?
The Mariners hired Jason Kanzler, 36, the Cubs’ farm director, to replace Dan Wilson. Kanzler has a player development and analytics background and spent time on Houston’s major league staff, but he has never managed at any level.
Harrison doesn’t think the hire matters much: Seattle needs bats, not a new manager. He’s less worried about Kanzler’s age (Theo Epstein was 28 when he took over the Red Sox) than his lack of time on a bench. Nick prefers a manager older than his players and would have gone with someone experienced, like Brandon Hyde.
What Other Front Office Moves Did the Hosts Discuss?
Perry Minasian to the Braves. Harrison sees the former Angels GM as a smart, low-risk add who will focus on scouting and player development, an area where his Angels drafts were strong. Nick likes pairing him with Alex Anthopoulos.
The Athletics’ new GM. The A’s hired the Brewers’ former director of player development. Both hosts see it as continuity: an organization that develops young talent bringing in someone who watched Milwaukee’s system produce a contender.
Teruaki Sato’s posting. The Japanese Triple Crown winner is expected to be posted, with one projection around five years and $80 million. Harrison noted that Sato isn’t a union member until he signs, so the lockout doesn’t block him, but teams may hesitate to commit big money before they know the new rules.
Who Should Make the Hall of Fame on the Contemporary Era Ballot?
The 2026 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot includes Sandy Alderson, Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, Lou Piniella, Brian Sabean, Ted Turner and Bill White. Candidates need 12 of 16 committee votes to be elected.
Harrison’s picks: Baker, Bochy, Piniella and Turner, though he could make a case for almost everyone. Maddon is the toughest call for him: a terrific 10-year run, but that alone isn’t enough.
Nick’s picks: Bochy, Baker and Turner, with Piniella hard to leave off. He called Bochy and his four championships a slam dunk.
Follow the Path Trivia: Can You Name the Missing Team?
Harrison gave each player’s career path with one team missing. Here are the answers.
Alfonso Soriano: Yankees, ???, Nationals, Cubs, Yankees
The Texas Rangers. He was the centerpiece of the Alex Rodriguez trade.
Mike Piazza: Dodgers, ??? (1998), Mets, Padres, Athletics
The Florida Marlins, for about a week in 1998.
Zack Greinke: Royals, Brewers, ??? (2012), Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Astros, Royals
The Los Angeles Angels, after a deadline deal from Milwaukee.
Curt Schilling: Orioles, ??? (1991), Phillies, Diamondbacks, Red Sox
The Houston Astros.
Fred McGriff: Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Devil Rays, Cubs, ??? (2003), Devil Rays
The Los Angeles Dodgers.
Edwin Encarnación: Reds, Blue Jays, Cleveland, ??? (2019), Yankees, White Sox
The Seattle Mariners, before a deadline trade to New York.
Jim Edmonds: Angels, Cardinals, ??? (2008), Cubs, Brewers, Reds
The San Diego Padres.
Miguel Tejada: Athletics, Orioles, Astros, Orioles, Padres, Giants, ???
The Kansas City Royals, in 2013.
Rafael Palmeiro: ???, Rangers, Orioles, Rangers, Orioles
The Chicago Cubs, where he started his career.
Adrián González: Rangers, Padres, Red Sox, Dodgers, ???
The New York Mets, in 2018.
What’s Next for the Simulated Fantasy League?
The network’s simulated fantasy league now has 24 teams, and the draft happens live on Rounding Third this Sunday, November 8 at 9 p.m. ET. It’s an all-time draft, one position per round, with the order randomized each round and one minute per pick. Nick will post recaps, standings and league leaders as the season plays out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Left Hindered?
Left Hindered is a new show on the Rounding Third Media Network hosted by former Mets pitchers Eric Hillman and Bill Pulsipher. It launches Tuesday, December 1 at 7 p.m. ET.
What salary cap did MLB propose?
MLB proposed a $258.2 million hard cap and a $180.2 million floor starting in 2028, keeping the current system for 2027.
Has the MLBPA made a counteroffer?
Not as of this episode. The union rejected MLB’s latest proposal and has said it will never accept a salary cap.
Who is the Mariners’ new manager?
Jason Kanzler, 36, the Cubs’ former farm director, replacing Dan Wilson.
Who is on the 2026 Contemporary Era Hall of Fame ballot?
Sandy Alderson, Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, Lou Piniella, Brian Sabean, Ted Turner and Bill White.
When does Rounding Third air?
Rounding Third is live Sunday and Thursday nights on YouTube and Facebook. Watch the latest episodes on the Rounding Third show page, read more recaps in The Rounding Third Rundown, or explore every show on the Rounding Third Media Network.
