Per Peter Gammons-

I understand what Scott Boras says about Pedro Alvarez not signing an "illegal" contract, but if he takes the $6 million and MLB goes forward and enforces deadlines in the future, aren't Alvarez and the Pirates all better off than risking having to spend the winter preparing for independent ball, next June's draft and the postponement of major league service time? MLB has relaxed deadline rules for years, even on trades. Hey, the Yankees aren't thrilled that the Red Sox and Dodgers were allowed to go past the deadline on the three-way Ramirez deal.

If this is true, I will be irate. I thought from the begining there was something fishy about the 3-way trade, and how difficult it would be to complete it within 30 minutes or less(the Rays were rumored to have agreed around 3:30).

What is the point of having rules if you are allowed to bend them for the teams you want in the playoffs.  There is no question in my mind MLB wanted this trade to happen.  If I was a season ticket holder, and shelled out good money on MLB's product, I would consider a potential class action lawsuit.  I know that sounds awful, but if you are spending a lot of money on a product, and there is a "fix" or a team getting preferential treatment, then I have a huge problem with it.

I understand the Rays are in a great position right now, but this is a major issue nonetheless.