Locked out MLB players reject offer of federal mediation
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Locked out players rejected Major League Baseball’s request for a federal mediator to enter stalled labor negotiations. There appears little chance of an on-time start to spring training and opening day is increasingly threatened. Owners locked out players on Dec. 2, immediately following the expiration of a five-year collective bargaining agreement. There have been just three negotiating sessions on core economics since plus one digital meeting. The lockout has entered its 65th day. Spring training workouts are to start Feb. 16 and opening day is scheduled for March 31.