MLB fans are impatiently waiting for any update on the ongoing lockout.
Spring training is supposed to begin in a few weeks and unfortunately, all signs point toward that not happening.
In fact, it appears MLB and the players are at a stalemate.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported a mediator is being sought out to solve their standoff.
Major League Baseball today requested immediate assistance of a federal mediator to help resolve the sport’s lockout, sources told ESPN. Under their request, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service would help assist with the proceedings.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 3, 2022
This is a painful update and one that will only lead to anger from fans.
Why can’t the two sides just figure it out?
There is no good answer to that and the MLB world is reacting with an expected response.
Team owners and specifically Commissioner Rob Manfred may want to avoid social media or any news outlets until this is resolved.
Rob Manfred. Please resign https://t.co/CgSnzX4BRX
— Jan Levine (@airjan23) February 3, 2022
This battle features no winners and is simply bad for baseball.
MLB World Reacts To Latest Labor Update
Both sides are far apart on key issues involving pay, service time, free agency, and so many other things.
A federal mediator being needed proves that the recent negotiations may have been a waste of time.
Honest to effing God it's like Rob Manfred doesn't know the labor history of his own business – and he got a degree in labor relations from Cornell.
The @NLRB isn't going to send a mediator to resolve a lockout at the request of the owners who ordered the lockout 🤦🏼♂️ https://t.co/FaiG3KkSsA
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) February 3, 2022
Two days ago Rob Manfred/MLB said it would make a counter-offer to Tony Clark/MLBPA, but now they have reneged on that. This is a major concern and the season is certainly looking like it will be impacted now. What a disaster, more leadership failings from Manfred. Fans lose out.
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) February 3, 2022
MLB is already dealing with a popularity problem.
February and March are supposed to be an annual time of optimism for fans of every single team.
Yet now, the NBA and NFL will continue to dominate the sports world and MLB will only show up in the news for negative headlines.
FEDERAL MEDIATOR: So you, a literal monopoly that's exempt from antitrust laws, get to restrict the movement and earning power of your youngest employees, and you don't want any changes.
ROB MANFRED: Yes.
FEDERAL MEDIATOR: Alright, let me see what I can do.
— Grant Brisbee (@GrantBrisbee) February 3, 2022
Rob Manfred’s agenda to keep Mike Trout out of the playoffs is truly sickening https://t.co/AfbS8nis25
— cursed (@PlsCursed) February 3, 2022
Baseball fans are mad and rightfully so.
The fact both owners and players saw this coming and did nothing to be proactive only adds to the anger.
All everyone can do now is wait for updates as they come.
Anyone hopeful the season will start on time will have their hopes dashed by this latest update.
NEXT: The Case Against Barry Bonds Being In The Hall Of Fame
ozziefan says
Remember “Network” ? Well I am mad as hell and I’m tuning out.