As the lockout continues in major league baseball, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Wednesday night the cancellation of two additional series. The start of the season is therefore postponed to April 14 for the moment.
This is the second wave of cancellations. The first two series had been sacrificed on March 1. It comes after long hours of negotiation between the Players Association and the Tour over the past few days that seem to have offered little progress.
According to The Athletic website, three proposals from the bosses’ clan have recently been refused and the players have put a counter-proposal on the table. They got no response.
Blame the players?
The last collective agreement expired on December 2 and the owners announced the lockout almost immediately. The luxury tax, minimum wage and bonuses for players who are not eligible for salary arbitration are among the main points of contention.
Manfred was quick to blame the union.
“In a last-ditch effort to preserve a 162-game season, this week we made good-faith proposals that address the specific concerns expressed by the Association and that would have allowed players to return to the field immediately,” he said. Manfred in a statement. The clubs have made extraordinary efforts to meet the substantial demands. Unfortunately, after our second nightly trading session in a week, we remain without a deal.”
And while he hopes an agreement will come quickly, Manfred places the burden on the backs of the players.
“I am saddened by the continued impact of this situation on our game and everyone in it, especially our loyal fans. We have the utmost respect for our players and hope that they will ultimately choose to accept the fair deal that has been offered to them.”
“Not necessary”
Moments after Major League Baseball’s announcement, the Players Association decried the situation.
“The owners’ decision to cancel more games was really unnecessary,” the union wrote in a statement. After making comprehensive proposals to the league earlier this afternoon and being told that substantial responses were forthcoming, the players still haven’t heard from them.”
“Players want to play and can’t wait to be back on the field in front of the best fans in the world. Our priority remains to reach a fair agreement for all players and we will continue the negotiations until the end.
