In meeting with MLB's Executive Council and Labor Policy
Committee on Wednesday, management negotiator Randy Levine
explained "what was at stake" should labor talks break down, and
"surprisingly, some owners weren't aware of the total
consequences of a continued stalemate," according to Tom
Haudricourt of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Should the season
end before a new CBA is agreed to, '96 "would be removed from the
new contract," and there would be no revenue sharing until '97.
Interleague play would also be postponed, and therefore, owners
would not be able to place expansion teams "in opposite league's
as they'd like." For balancing schedules, interleague play needs
two 15-team leagues. No labor deal would also "open the
possibility of another players strike or owners lockout." Also
at the meeting, new MLB Enterprises President Greg Murphy
informed owners that he has "tentative deals with many big-name
sponsors, all contingent on a labor deal." Haudricourt reports
only four teams are "absolutely against a labor deal in its
current form," the Cubs, White Sox, Royals, and Marlins. Others
with "reservations" are the Expos, Twins, Braves, Reds and
Astros, "but [they] are believed to be willing to follow [Acting
Commissioner Bud] Selig's lead." Haudricourt: "In the end, it is
up to Selig. He must call a vote soon or the deal dies" (Tom
Haudricourt, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 9/13).
MASKED MAN: MLB's Rules Committee approved a catcher's mask
worn by Blue Jay Charlie O'Brien. The "innovative, hockey-style
mask" was developed in the spring, and "has a fierce-looking Blue
Jay painted on it, along with O'Brien's signature phrase: 'Catch
ya later'" (N.Y. POST, 9/13).
