Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 181

The Mound’s Villain – Episode 181

The owner of a baseball club is, in the truest sense, the owner. They typically hold the majority of shares, but most don’t actively manage the club’s day-to-day operations.

Player contracts are usually handled by the general manager or the president, with the club owner rarely directly involved.

However, there was an exception to this rule.

“The club owner gets directly involved when signing players with high name recognition,” Isabel explained.

She elaborated further, providing more context to Ha-sung.

“It’s a well-known story that the club owner was directly involved when Alex Rodrigo signed his long-term contract.”

“That guy’s name keeps popping up, no matter where I go.”

“Although his star has faded somewhat, he was once a player who secured a contract that became legendary in Major League history.”

“I intend to break all those records, one by one, as I progress.”

“Yes, I believe you can do it, Jung Ha-sung,” Isabel replied with an unusual degree of conviction, a sentiment not often expressed given her usual demeanor.

Her confidence was unwavering. She truly believed that Ha-sung would become a player who would redefine the history of Major League Baseball.

“Anyway, the fact that the club owner has intervened suggests it’s beneficial to meet with him.”

“Given his position of authority, his involvement implies that the Athletics are also hesitant to proceed to the arbitration committee. Therefore, they’ll likely present a new offer.”

“I suppose I can make a decision after hearing it.”

“Exactly. While going to the committee offers a high probability of success, it’s not guaranteed.”

“Are you suggesting I could lose?”

“It’s not impossible. If you can secure adequate compensation through negotiation, I don’t believe you need to gamble on a chance, however small, of losing.”

The arbitration committee isn’t designed to find middle ground between the player and the club.

“As you know, going to the arbitration committee means the amount is determined entirely in favor of either the club or the player. There’s no room for adjustment or compromise.”

“I understand. That’s why reaching a compromise is generally the best approach.”

“Precisely. While we have a strong chance of winning at arbitration, there’s no need to fight to the bitter end in a battle where a loss is still possible, assuming you can obtain sufficient compensation beforehand.”

Ha-sung appreciated Isabel’s pragmatic approach.

“Then I’ll arrange a meeting with the club owner.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of that.”

The meeting with the club owner, potentially the decisive moment in the salary negotiation, was scheduled.

* * *

Oakland Athletics owner Lewis Wolff had a rather unfavorable reputation in Oakland.

The reason was straightforward.

His primary objective upon acquiring ownership of the Athletics was to relocate the team.

The relationship between a Major League club and its home city is deeply intertwined.

The city’s residents invest considerable loyalty and financial support in the club over many years.

The clubs, in turn, use this revenue to operate and acquire players to achieve success.

Within this reciprocal relationship, the club’s attempt to relocate is perceived as a betrayal of the community’s trust and investment.

Consequently, in Ha-sung’s early days with Oakland, the stadium was often sparsely populated.

‘Things are different now, but back then, the cheers were few and far between.’

Now, it’s challenging to find empty seats as fan attendance has significantly increased.

‘The key takeaway is that the club owner possesses the determination to pursue such initiatives. However, I’m not convinced his business acumen is particularly strong.’

Ha-sung assessed the man before him.

His assessment proved accurate. Those familiar with Lewis Wolff often remarked on his tenacity in pursuing goals, but questioned his overall business skills.

Regardless, his position as club owner indicated substantial wealth.

The crucial factor was understanding his management style, which became apparent through their brief interaction.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I’m Jung Ha-sung.”

“Please, call me Lewis.”

Following the brief introductions, the four individuals took their seats.

Present were Lewis Wolff, General Manager Chris, Jung Ha-sung, and Isabel.

They settled in, sipped tea, and continued the conversation.

“I’ve been following your performance this season. It’s been truly remarkable.”

“Thank you. I intend to maintain this level of performance, so please continue to watch.”

“Haha! I’ve heard you’re quite confident, but do you realize the magnitude of your achievements this season? It was one of the most exceptional seasons in the history of Major League Baseball.”

Lewis Wolff’s statement was accurate.

Few pitchers in the live-ball era [the period in baseball history after 1920, characterized by rule changes that favored hitting] had achieved better results than Ha-sung.

Experts widely considered his accomplishments in modern baseball to be extraordinary.

Yet, Ha-sung confidently asserted his ability to replicate those results.

His statement conveyed immense self-assurance, but also carried an underlying message.

‘He’s implying that he can perform at the same level as this season, justifying his salary demands.’

Lewis Wolff mused to himself with a smile. As a seasoned businessman, he had engaged in numerous meetings with diverse individuals.

Consequently, he had developed a keen ability to discern the other party’s intentions during a conversation.

‘He’s young, but he’s a shrewd negotiator.’

Lewis quickly recognized Ha-sung’s true nature. While he couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of this perception, it was inconsequential.

He had encountered similar individuals in the business world.

“If you continue to achieve positive results, it will naturally benefit the club.”

“I will strive to meet your expectations.”

“Haha! Very well. Let’s get straight to the point. I understand you’re seeking a salary of $20 million.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Don’t you think that’s excessive?”

“Not at all. As you mentioned earlier, Lewis, I had a season that will be remembered in Major League history. I believe my salary should reflect that.”

“And you believe that salary is $20 million.”

“Yes.”

Ha-sung stated firmly, without hesitation, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

However, Lewis held a different perspective.

“As you know, our club isn’t in a position to spend that kind of money. The player payroll is fixed. If you receive a significant portion, other players will inevitably receive less.”

Lewis had extensive experience conducting business with individuals from Asian countries. Some of them were Korean, so he was familiar with their cultural tendencies.

‘Koreans are often susceptible to the concept of “jeong” [a Korean concept referring to a deep emotional bond or connection]. They tend to be concerned about how their actions affect others. If their teammates are negatively impacted, they will likely reconsider their position.’

Lewis’s words were carefully calculated, a strategy designed to reduce Ha-sung’s salary if he showed any signs of wavering.

However, he was mistaken.

“You’re making irrelevant points.”

“Pardon?”

“We’re discussing my salary, and I fail to see why the potential impact on other players is relevant.”

“I’m simply stating the reality of the situation.”

“Regardless of its validity, it’s not something I should be concerned with. I’m seeking a salary that reflects my value, and that amount is $20 million.”

Ha-sung’s voice grew even more resolute.

Isabel, too, was surprised by Ha-sung’s unwavering stance.

‘I knew Jung Ha-sung was assertive, but I didn’t realize he was this uncompromising.’

Lewis’s expression mirrored Isabel’s surprise, but with a frown.

“You’re not open to negotiation.”

“That depends on Lewis’s offer. I came here to negotiate my salary, not to hear about the financial constraints of other players.”

“So, your salary is your only concern?”

“To put it bluntly, yes. My salary is my top priority.”

Ha-sung delivered a direct and forceful statement.

Lewis’s face contorted further at the bluntness of the response.

As the atmosphere grew tense, General Manager Chris intervened to mediate.

“Alright, alright, let’s all calm down and continue the discussion.”

Ha-sung spoke again, responding to General Manager Chris’s words.

“I am the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. If you fail to recognize my value appropriately, I will have no choice but to explore other options.”

“Are you suggesting you’ll proceed to the arbitration committee regardless?”

“I have won the Cy Young Award [an award given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball] for two consecutive years and set a new save record. Furthermore, this year, I swept the MVP [Most Valuable Player], Cy Young Award, American League Championship, and World Series MVP awards.”

The list of accomplishments that Ha-sung recited was truly impressive.

He continued to exert pressure on Lewis.

“Should I bring my Cy Young trophies, like Lincecum [referencing Tim Lincecum, a former MLB pitcher known for bringing his Cy Young trophies to contract negotiations]? If you’d like, I can bring all the awards I received while winning the MVP.”

Lewis was speechless.

“Salary reflects a player’s value. Therefore, $20 million, or a proposal that comes close to that figure, is what I’m seeking.”

Ha-sung rose from his seat and issued a final warning.

“I’m giving you one more chance. I will decline any further meetings that involve irrelevant discussions like today’s.”

“Irrelevant discussions?”

“I’m referring to attempts to sway me by discussing the financial situations of other players instead of focusing on my value at the negotiation table.”

“Hmm…….”

Lewis, having been directly challenged, remained silent.

“I look forward to receiving a satisfactory proposal.”

As Ha-sung stood up, Isabel followed suit.

She thought to herself, ‘Does this man even need an agent?’

Ha-sung had dominated the negotiation to such an extent that she, the agent, had been reduced to offering mere greetings.

Even against Lewis, a seasoned businessman.

‘There was nothing particularly sophisticated about his negotiation tactics. He simply overwhelmed the opposition with facts, without hesitation.’

His unwavering confidence made it possible.

She, as an agent, could never convey such sentiments.

Although she represented the player, she wasn’t the player himself, so she had to avoid saying anything that could be detrimental.

Regardless, it was certain that Lewis would be under immense pressure following this meeting.

‘He will eventually have no choice but to present a new offer, the best possible conditions they can provide.’

Ha-sung had emphasized that he was only offering one chance.

The Athletics would have to offer their best possible terms to avoid losing him.

Of course, he didn’t expect the offer to be entirely satisfactory.

There were inherent limitations to what Athletics, a small-market team, could offer.

* * *

The stove league [the MLB offseason], which was the focus of all media attention related to Major League Baseball, was in full swing.

Each player signing a new contract heightened interest in the stove league.

In the midst of this activity, one article particularly caught people’s attention.

[According to Major League Baseball officials who wished to remain anonymous, the Oakland Athletics have offered Jung Ha-sung a three-year, $40 million contract.]

Three years, $40 million.

That’s more than $13 million per year.

Shortly after, another article was published.

[Jung Ha-sung rejects Oakland’s offer!]

[Jung Ha-sung and Oakland! Negotiations break down after all! Heading to the arbitration committee!]

[Jung Ha-sung demands a salary of $20 million from the club!]

Ultimately, the decision rested with the arbitration committee.