Union disappointed with impact of qualifying offers

NEW YORK - With spring training approaching and dozens of players still seeking jobs, union leader Tony Clark concluded baseball's current system needs change.

Among those still on the free-agent market are pitcher Yovani Gallardo, shortstop Ian Desmond and outfielder Dexter Fowler, who all turned down $15.8 million, one-year guaranteed contracts from their teams last November.

''I think it's disappointing when there are as many talented players still without a home,'' Clark told The Associated Press in an interview last week. ''I don't think it's in anyone's best interest to be in a world where very talented players are at home for whatever reason they are there. It will likely be a part of the conversation in bargaining.''

A former All-Star first baseman, Clark took over as head of the Major League Baseball Players Association in late 2013 after Michael Weiner died due to a brain tumor. Now 43 and seven years removed from his playing days, Clark is the first player to head the union.

Clark will lead players in negotiations for a labor contract to replace the deal that expires Dec. 1. Following eight work stoppages from 1972-85, baseball has had more than two decades of industry peace.

When the current deal was reached, head labor negotiator Rob Manfred - now the commissioner - wrote a memorandum to team executives on Nov. 22, 2011, and estimated eight to 10 free agents annually would receive qualifying offers - the average of the 125 highest-paying contracts - which attaches the loss of a top amateur draft pick for a team that signs a new player. There were nine offers in 2012 and the number climbed to 13 the following year, 12 in 2014 and 20 this offseason, when there was a deep free-agent class.

''If there are considerations in areas that appear to be damaging the concept of competitive balance, then they should be reviewed and looked at, and this would appear to be one of them,'' Clark said.