understanding arbitration and options in MLB

[jellyroll]

Anybody know or could summarize the rules for arbitration and options in MLB? I keep hearing Delmon Young won't be called up until Sept (when rosters expand) due to arbitration limits/starting.

[Amazinz]

I believe that when the rosters expand on Sep. 1 and a player is added to the 40-man it doesn't trigger the option process. The simple explanation is that an MLB team owns a player for 6 years. The first 3 are guaranteed and begin with players first season as a pro. The next three are the "option" years and it doesn't necessarily last for three seasons. If a player is brought up on Aug. 31 his first year kicks in but if the team waits until Sep. 1. it doesn't.

[j_d_mcnugent]

ordinarily i dont think september callups start the arbitration clock. if it does for delmon, and i dont know that it does, it would likely be related to some specific clause in his contract.

also, i think its a certain amount of games that triggers the arbitration clock? the brewers didnt seem to concerned about giving prince a couple games in interleague.

[GotowarMissAgnes]

Good explanations here

http://www.redsinsite.com/Reds/mlb_procedures.htm