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Another Major League Baseball Salary Arbitration Victory Scored
By The JMBM National Sports Law Group
Los Angeles Angels v. All-Star Closer Francisco Rodriquez Decision Puts Team On Top
In The Largest Dollar Case in MLB History
Los Angeles – February 28, 2008 — Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP (JMBM) scored another salary arbitration victory in the largest dollar case in the history of Major League Baseball – the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. All-Star closer, Francisco Rodriguez. The case was also the largest one in the 2008 baseball salary arbitration season. The JMBM National Sports Law Group handled the arbitration on behalf of its client, the Los Angeles Angels, which offered $10 million to Rodriguez, who asked for a 2008 salary of $12.5 million. After a single day hearing, the arbitrators ruled in favor of the Los Angeles Angels, picking the club’s suggested salary figure — $2.5 million less than the player’s initial request.
Representing the Angels before a panel of three experienced arbitrators in St. Petersburg, Florida, was JMBM attorney Mark Rosenthal who is among the most experienced baseball arbitration practitioners. Representing seven different teams over 17 years, the JMBM National Sports Law Group has a winning percentage of 80% in arbitration cases.
"Each side submitted a mountain of statistical evidence in the form of charts and graphs, as well as detailed oral presentations, including vigorous rebuttals," said Rosenthal. "As is always the case in baseball arbitrations, only one side’s figure can be picked. There’s nothing in between, and we’re happy our client came out the victor."
Notable past wins for the JMBM National Sports Law Group include representing the Los Angeles Dodgers in their arbitration win over Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne in 2004. It was the highest profile baseball salary arbitration in recent years, until the current 2008 arbitration between the Angels and Rodriguez.
