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With almost all companies using a sticker or pad printing for the CB there isn't any weakening of the bat. The new rules are to help limit the amount of multi piece failures that we've seen on TV for the past couple of years. The flex argument is one I made during the meetings with MLB. We ran some test in the Dominican and it was inconclusive as to hitting power from the flat or edge grain.
Ash bats will be made in the same way as they were before.
There is an increase in fees too, $10,000 yearly and at least $10,000,000 insurance coverage. Oh, the price of Maple bats is likely to double...not that most Pro players will care, but the minor guys who buy their own are not going to be happy.
It will be interesting to see who is going to continue to make Pro Maple bats this year. With the increased fees and new rules it's going to be expensive especially for those who don't cut their own wood. All paperwork requirements, bat samples and compliance papers must be in by the 15th. Yet the class on how to grade using the new Maple requirements isn't until the 21st. We've already had our training and we're losing about 20% of our Maple. Not too hateful, but should justify a price hike. I'll get a list of who shows up for the training meeting in Chicago. Bill Steele called to meet up for drinks and I thought that was a terrific idea.
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