MLB talks continue amid progress
Major League Baseball withdrew its plan for more limited salary arbitration Tuesday, a day after the union withdrew its demand for greater free agent eligibility.
In the second straight day of talks aimed at an agreement to end a lockout that started Dec. 2, clubs also accepted the union’s framework to funnel additional money to pre-arbitration-eligible players from central revenue, offering a $10 million pool based on awards and WAR. The union has asked for $105 million for the group, usually about 30 players annually.
In addition, management increased its offer to increase the minimum salary for players with less than one year of major league service from $600,000 to $615,000, but with a provision teams couldn’t pay more than that amount. Players have proposed a $775,000 minimum next year, up from $570,500.
Management also withdrew its proposal that would have delinked pensions from inflation, which under the current plan results in automatic increases.
Given the sides didn’t even speak about central economic issues for six weeks before talks resumed Jan. 13, incremental progress over two days was positive as the bickering sides try to end baseball’s ninth work stoppage and first since 1995.
Still, time is dwindling before the scheduled start of spring training on Feb. 16.
Opening day on March 31 will be threatened if there isn’t a deal by the end of next month.
The sides agreed to continue negotiating on non-core issues while the union deliberates its next step on the bigger economic components.
Colleges: Oklahoma State wrestler A.J. Ferrari and runner Isai Rodriguez were in fair condition after their car overturned following a collision Monday night. Rodriguez was transported by helicopter to a hospital, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Ferrari tried to pass three cars while cresting a hill in a no-passing zone at about 8 p.m. Monday, according to the state patrol. They were returning to Stillwater following an appearance at a youth wrestling practice in nearby Cushing. Ferrari’s car collided with another vehicle, left the road, rolled and landed in a ditch. The 20-year-old Ferrari, the NCAA champion in the 197-pound weight class last year, was airlifted to the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City with head and leg injuries. The 23-year-old Rodriguez was taken to Stillwater Medical Center with arm, leg and head injuries. The other driver, 56-yearold Valenda McKee of Ripley, Oklahoma, wasn’t injured, according to the police report . ... The Colonial Athletic Association announced Tuesday that Hampton, Monmouth and Stony Brook have accepted invitations to the CAA and will officially join the league later this year. The three schools will begin their membership July 1. In November, James Madison announced it was leaving the CAA for the Sun Belt Conference. The addition of the three new schools means the league is expanding to 12 full members and 13 members in football. NHL: Sharks D Erik Karlsson is expected to miss at least two months with an injury to his left forearm. Karlsson underwent surgery Monday to repair a small muscle tear in his left forearm. He will be re-evaluated in mid-March. Karlsson has eight goals and 18 assists in 33 games this season.