Could contraction enter MLB talks?

The Tampa Bay Rays likely will not be the subject of contraction talks when the owners and the players union discuss their next labor deal, but it's a possibility that owners could bring it up. Player union chief, Michael Weiner, does not expect the franchise will be eliminated, according to the St. Petersburg Times' Marc Topkin. “Do I think it's likely that the owners are going to try to contract? I don't,” Weiner said. “Do I think there's — to borrow your word — a ‘legitimate' reason to contract? I don't think there is. All I would say is if that changes, if contraction becomes a goal of the owners in this negotiation, the tenor of the talks would change quickly and dramatically.” Among items that will likely be discussed before the labor agreement expires is league realignment, balanced schedules, expanded playoffs and possibly a salary cap. The elimination of any of team will cost the player's union to lo...