Management negotiator Randy Levine met with MLBPA Exec Dir
Donald Fehr in New York yesterday, but sources close to the
situation said Levine "still has not received authorization from
the owners to complete a deal with Fehr," according to Mark Maske
of the WASHINGTON POST. Both union and management "believe that
time rapidly is running out to apply finishing touches to a labor
agreement that would take effect next season." Although a group
of hard-line owners has worked to "build opposition to Levine's
proposed settlement," sources tell Maske that "even some
ownership moderates," such as Red Sox CEO John Harrington, have
joined White Sox Chair Jerry Reinsdorf, Marlins Chair Wayne
Huizenga, Cubs President Andy MacPhail, and Royals Chair David
Glass in opposing a deal. Both sides believe a deal must be
completed by the World Series if it is going to get done at all
(WASHINGTON POST, 10/15).
IN HUB: In Boston, two sources tell the GLOBE's Larry
Whiteside that Harrington, "a key member of the Executive
Council," is opposed to the deal. One union source: "If he has
joined in with those opposed to making a deal, it is very bad for
baseball." A union source added, "If any town needs a labor
agreement, it's Boston. A new stadium is projected there. The
guy running the club has to sell it before long. I would think
the value of the club would go down if there is no agreement"
(BOSTON GLOBE, 10/16).
