MLB lockout continues with no deal; meeting planned for Tuesday?
The MLB lockout that began in early December will last through the start of the final full week of January.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Monday's talks between the league and the MLB Players Association did not result in a deal but that the parties will meet again on Tuesday:
As Passan alluded to, the update isn't surprising, as it was widely reported on Jan. 13 the sides were so far apart that the idea of spring training potentially starting on time next month was "in peril." USA Today's Bob Nightengale adds Monday's discussion between the league and the union lasted for roughly two hours:
MLB Network's Jon Heyman explained earlier this month that owners were "dead set against lowering free agency" from six years to five. Amid other items discussed, it's believed the league will embrace a universal designated hitter, something that has been rumored for years and that ideally will extend playing careers for individuals who would otherwise lose jobs because of their inability to play in the field at the highest level.
While Passan seemed somewhat optimistic following the afternoon's events, fans are no closer to seeing players report for spring training on Feb. 16, as scheduled, than they were on Sunday night. Perhaps Tuesday will be a better day for big-league baseball, although there's currently no indication, outside of hope, that will be the case.
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