This penalty for the Ryas(sic) shows why that system sets up some faulty incentives, however. Because win-loss record is used as the baseline for the pool allotments, the low-revenue Rays were classified as a team that needed to have their international spending constrained, theoretically in order to promote competitive balance. Meanwhile, some of the largest bonus pools this summer are going to go to the Red Sox, Mets, and Cubs, each of whom put losing teams on the field last year despite their significant revenue advantages.
I don't think I like his solution either and TB obviously did this purposefully with open eyes, but I would find a way to start rewarding teams with the best wins per dollar spent ratios. If Friedman and his group of geniuses want to spend money, then MLB should not be in the way, 'cause it's as safe a bet as there is that he's spending it wisely.
Also, forcing spending this way is terrible for the long-run. They're creating an environment of boom or bust drafting. When you're good you get no money for the draft or IFA pool, so you supplement, but it's 5-7m or so. then you're bad and boom, spend 20-30m. How is this a system MLB wants to promote?
