The MLBPA has exercised its option to extend the CBA
through the 2001 MLB season. Under the option, the CBA will
now expire on October 31, 2001, or the day after the last
game of the World Series, whichever is later. Had the
option not been exercised by August 31, the CBA would have
expired at the end of the 2000 season (MLBPA). In N.Y.,
Murray Chass writes that with the extension, MLB will have
six successive seasons without canceled games "for the first
time" since '66 through '71. MLBPA Exec Dir Donald Fehr
said that no player reps opposed the extension, and as part
of the deal, the MLBPA will make a $2M payment to MLB teams
by the end of the year. Fehr added that the money "would
come from union assets or the players' licensing money"
(N.Y. TIMES, 8/29). Fehr also said that the decision to
exercise the option "should not be interpreted as either a
positive or negative sign about a new agreement being
reached." Fehr: "I don't know that it sends any particular
signal" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/29). Braves President Stan
Kasten, on the extension: "If they [MLBPA] could have had a
10-year extension, I'm sure they would have taken it"
(BLOOMBERG NEWS, 8/28). Meanwhile, MLB Exec VP/Labor
Relations Rob Manfred "agreed with Fehr's call for an early
beginning of talks." Manfred: "The one thing both the
parties have learned is it's probably better to start
earlier than to start later" (AP, 8/29).
