Monday Newsletter time: How firm is MLB on its Monday deadline for a new CBA? We're about to find out.
Players and owners met yet again Sunday, and the meetings were considered positive but not enough.
Good news: The Texas Rangers Newsletter has all but finalized its plans for the early portion of spring training, and we don’t need a new collective bargaining agreement to execute those plans.
As things stand now, the family truckster will be pointing west Tuesday morning and won’t be stopping until at least Las Cruces, N.M. Depending on back and joint pain and luck with various highway patrols, this could be a one-day drive.
So, my first official day in camp would be Wednesday. Probably.
Plans could change. Ideally, there would be a new CBA before executing our plan. If the feces his the fan Monday and all hope is lost on a new CBA, well, I’ll be busy canceling some reservations.
And, truth be told, I’d rather go watch Kansas at TCU men’s basketball Tuesday night, but I have subscriptions to sell for only $5.99 a month or $60 a year.
The curse of being a glass-half-full kind of guy is believing the glass will soon be full. The owners and players had their longest day of meetings Sunday, and emerged from them feeling like it was their best day.
It wasn’t good enough, judging by what was leaked to national media, but the sides are meeting at 9 this morning on what could be a marathon day of negotiations.
And, it’s worth repeating yet again: Every negotiation in baseball comes down to the 11th hour.
One thing that keeps coming up in my tiny head: How serious is MLB about Monday being the last day to reach an agreement without canceling regular-season games (the Rangers are scheduled to open March 31 at home against Joey Gallo and the Yankees)?
Would agreement on a number of core issues and momentum that CBA will be reached in a matter of days be enough to keep the season on schedule?
Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, a member of the union’s executive committee, and Rangers owner Ray Davis, a member of the labor policy committee, were both on hand in Florida. Semien reportedly left the meetings because he had a flight.
Maybe he’s on his way to Arizona, too.
What will Monday bring? Hopefully a new CBA or enough momentum for the lockout to end and spring training to begin.
(Ron Burgundy voice:) Arizona, here I come?
Tempting the Rangers?
One of the proposals MLB owners are pushing in the new CBA is a 14-team postseason, which would be an increase of four teams. The players have countered with 12.
The owners want more money in the postseason TV package. The chance to go to the playoffs could entice teams that are on the cusp of contention to spend a little extra on players.
If the playoffs expand to 14 teams, would the Rangers shift their thinking about 2022?
Club officials have said it will be difficult for them to make up the necessary ground from 2021 to be a contender this season, even with the additions of Semien, Corey Seager, Jon Gray and Kole Calhoun.
The Rangers are also expected to dive back into free agency once the lockout ends to nab a veteran starting pitcher and possibly an outfielder.
Would six newcomers and a more experienced core of returning players make up enough ground? It would be difficult.
Had 2021 featured 14 playoff teams, seven from each league, Toronto and Seattle would have grabbed the final two American League spots with 91 and 90 wins. Cincinnati and Philadelphia would have taken the last two the National League, but at only 83 and 82 wins.
Have the Rangers improved by 31 wins or even 22? Doubtful.
The best thing for the front office to do if faced with a 14-team postseason is to not have delusions of grandeur.
ICYMI …
The heirs to the Wilson fortune have moved on to the stick-and-ball portion of their sports seasons, though the heiress is also playing for two soccer teams. Needless to say, they are keeping us busy. In the same boat? Here’s the latest from the Rangers Newsletter, in case you missed it.
The Sunday Read: Post-lockout chaos to come
Friday on the Farm: Rangers prospects 1-10
Doggy video!
I wonder if this pup is allergic to itself with all that hair. Enjoy. See you Tuesday.
