Union Head Tony Clark Has No Problem With Mets' Winter Workouts
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Baseball players' association head Tony Clark says the union has no problems with the Mets' voluntary offseason workout program but will continue to monitor it.
Clark spoke to the team Sunday at Tradition Field as part of his tour of all major league spring training camps.
Many Mets players spent part of the offseason working out at a fitness center at New York's training complex in Florida run by the person responsible for overseeing the organization's strength and fitness programs, Mike Barwis.
The fact that players paid to work out with Barwis has brought attention to the program, but Clark sees no problem.
"We looked into it. As I mentioned then, and as we continue to hold, there is an opportunity for players to work out in the offseason as per their choice. Forty-man roster guys have that ability," the union chief said.
"There was an opportunity that was presented here to provide guys that opportunity," Clark said. "Guys can make a decision against the services that are provided."
Players, including team captain David Wright, have praised Barwis' workouts.
"It is our understanding that things ended up going well and that there weren't any issues that resonated as a result of guys being able to come in," Clark added. "There are always concerns when voluntary doesn't seem like voluntary. Based on what we heard initially (and) based on the considerations that were made in the offseason, guys were able to make the decisions they wanted to make."
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