Baseball's labor negotiatiors were granted their fourth
postponement of an NLRB hearing on unfair labor practice charges
against the owners. Administrative law judge Edwin Bennett
granted the move at the request of both sides, as lawyers
"continued their low-profile meetings" in an attempt to reach a
labor agreement. Two days of talks were held for the third
consecutive week (N.Y. TIMES, 8/23).
VIRGINIA CONFIDENT: "With a quiet nod of approval" from MLB
owners, officials trying to lure a team to Northern VA have
"spent the past few months involved in discussions about the
possibility of buying an existing team and moving it to the
Washington area," according to this morning's WASHINGTON POST.
The Expos and Pirates have been the main focus, but the Mariners
and Twins are also mentioned. Asked whether a team or two could
be sold and moved in the next few years, acting MLB Commissioner
Bud Selig said, "I think it's possible, moreso than I thought six
months ago." William Collins, head of one of two No. VA groups,
said they've made no formal offers yet, but if the Pirates or
Expos decide to sell to out-of-town buyers, "we'd probably be the
first on the list. We're very, very comfortable with those
situations" (Maske & O'Harrow, WASHINGTON POST, 8/23).
