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MLB, MLBPA continue squabble over salary and shortened season

By David Levin

JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: The Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals line up for the National Anthem prior to the spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: The Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals line up for the National Anthem prior to the spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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There is still a divide between the owners of MLB and the MLBPA. No agreement has been made about a 2020 season or player salaries.

Regardless of the news that MLB owners are about to propose a 70-75 game season, the fact remains nothing has been done to further the process of getting players back on the field any sooner.

The sand in the hourglass is quickly evaporating and the thought of playing a meaningful season is becoming more of a dream than reality. Forget what commissioner Rob Manfred said in an interview with ESPN.com earlier this week. At the moment, it appears baseball is drowning in shallow water as both the owners and the MLBPA squabble over prorated salaries and other concessions.

That would mean no baseball for the Miami Marlins or any of the other 29 teams.

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"“Major League Baseball’s latest economic return-to-play proposal left the MLB Players Association frustrated and increased the likelihood of commissioner Rob Manfred instituting a shortened season without input from the union, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN,” Jeff Passan writes."

If not for the COVID-19 pandemic, the MLB season would soon approach the half-way point and discussions about money and time would never have been mentioned as a part of a negotiation to play the game.

As a friend of mine told me, “America Needs Baseball.” It doesn’t look as though either side cares what happens with this season as the two sides move back and forth like it’s the Bjorn Borg/John McEnroe Wimbledon finals of 1980.

Something must happen. One side must give in. MLB had the chance to make us whole again. It has failed miserably.

Based on what has been offered by team owners, the players have until Sunday to accept or decline what is in front of them.

"“It would guarantee $1.27 billion — the largest guarantee yet from the league — and add $230 million more to players if the playoffs are completed,” Passan adds. “Including a $50 million pool for playoff teams, the $1.5 billion total would necessitate players take a 17% cut from their 72-game salaries.”"

The crux of the matter for the MLBPA has been the number of games played versus what money they will receive in salaries for a shortened season. Players do not want to lose any more salary than what has already been tossed. Both sides have been tried to put together proposals that would benefit each side, but no concessions have been agreed to yet.

"“The lack of a resolution caused baseball to lose valuable days in restarting the sport before other major American professional team sports,” Passan explains.“MLB has focused on playing games in home stadiums, and the absence of fans has prompted the league to ask in negotiations for players to take pay cuts. The union has refused, believing language in the March agreement entitles players to full pro rata.”"

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