Schuerholz and Wren Blast Furcal’s Agents

Here are John Schuerholz’s comments to the AJC regarding Furcal’s Agents:

“Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that,” Schuerholz said. “The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company — ever. I told [agent] Arn Tellem that we can’t trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I’ve never seen any [agency] act in such a despicable manner.

“It was disgusting and unprofessional. We’re a proud organization and we won’t allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs and we’ll deal with the other hundred agents.”

And here is Arn Tellem’s response (We can only assume he’s related to Soulja Boy?) as found on SI.com:

“With regard to the negotiations between the Atlanta Braves and Rafael Furcal, the essential facts are clear and cannot be disputed.

1. “There was never an agreement reached between Rafael Furcal and the Atlanta Braves.

2. “In fact, the Braves were fully aware that Furcal was not prepared to make a decision but had requested an opportunity to sleep on it, before deciding.

3. “Moreover, the baseball rules which all agents and teams operate under are clear that no deal exists between a player and a team unless and until: (i) there is a signed and executed player agreement or; (ii) the Player’s Union and the Commissioner’s office have otherwise confirmed the deal. Neither occurred here.

4. “Furcal ultimately decided to accept the Dodgers’ offer, taking into consideration a number of factors, the most important of which was his desire to continue playing shortstop and not make the position change to second base that the Braves were requiring.

5. “Losing out on an All-Star player like Furcal is always disappointing, and we understand the Braves’ frustration with the outcome of this negotiation, but it does not change in any way the fact that we conducted ourselves with integrity and complied with all rules of major league baseball throughout this process.

6. “Our primary obligation is to serve our clients best interests, and we will continue to do so in accordance with all relevant rules governing MLB negotiations and the utmost integrity.

7. “If it serves our clients, we will continue to present opportunities to the Braves, which in accordance with the rules governing Major League Baseball, the Braves must entertain. We hope that once emotions have subsided, the Braves will act in a manner consistent with not only their obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and The National Labor Relations Act, but also the best interests of the franchise. In short, we would not want this incident to color their better judgment.”

Here’s my two cents (if you care):

Arn Tellem and Paul Kinzer need to realize that business is about trust and relationships. You don’t build a relationship with someone by negotiating a deal, asking for a signed term sheet, and then slapping that same team in the face with the fact you haven’t been upfront about other deals in the making. You don’t make that team want to deal with you. And you pissed off the wrong people – John Schuerholz and Frank Wren are very respected people in baseball. It’s not like we’re the Kansas City Royals.

Remember that all relationships are about trust – from the people you date to you and your boss’ interactions in the office. Build trust by being up front with those people. Don’t blast that trust – because in real life, a 7 point email refuting why they’re pissed off won’t do jack for you. You’ll end up single, without a job, or become someone nobody will rely on. 7 point emails do not make steps towards rebuilding that trust when they don’t apologize for betraying trust.

Arn Tellem and Paul Kinzer, go sell your mediocre players to other teams. I don’t see ANYONE on your player list that we need on the Braves. Also, good luck negotiating with people that have reason to doubt your word now. The whole baseball world will watch their backs around you now. You may not go out of business, but you will see fewer players select your company to represent them because teams will now be wary of your agency now.