The MLBPA is seeking pre-ratification of a new labor deal
before the regular season ends on Sunday, according to Murray
Chass of the N.Y. TIMES. Team player reps received a 12-page
memorandum from the union outlining details of a proposed deal
"and asking them to discuss it with their teammates and conduct
votes on it by Sunday." Chass adds the players "are expected to
approve the proposed agreement overwhelmingly." In the deal
outlined by MLBPA Exec Dir Don Fehr, the players would get full
service time for days lost in the strike and it would include a
sixth year to the deal at the union's option. Both of these
issues are still being discussed on management's side (N.Y.
TIMES, 9/26). In L.A., Ross Newhan reports the move by the union
"thwarts any attempt by the owners to wait out the union in the
hope that the union would ultimately agree to renegotiate terms
that have already been agreed to or pull out of a deal
completely, creating a scenario in which the owners would then
try to implement their work rules" (L.A. TIMES, 9/26).
THIS TEAMS FOR YOU: One source of Newhan's also said an
issue holding up any agreement is Acting Commissioner Bud Selig's
"ultimate desire to turn control" of the Brewers over to his
daughter, Wendy Selig-Prieb, and "remain as full-time
commissioner." The source noted Selig "is reluctant" to alienate
owners who are against the current deal, including White Sox
Owner Jerry Reinsdorf, for "fear of losing their support for
commissioner." Selig called that "sheer nonsense" (L.A. TIMES,
9/26).
