Under normal circumstances Trea Turner and the Los Angeles Dodgers would be nearly one week into their Spring Training schedule of games, but the ongoing MLB lockout brought forth by team owners still has the sport in a holding pattern with no end in sight.
MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) met for nine consecutive days at Roger Dean Stadium but were unable to find enough common ground for a new CBA. Progress late Monday night prompted the league to push back their self-imposed deadline, only for talks on Tuesday to stall.
Shortly after it became clear there would not be a deal, MLB and the union held respective press conferences in Florida. The MLBPA media session featured executive director Tony Clark, lead negotiator Bruce Meyer, along with union executive board members Max Scherzer and Andrew Miller.
While Turner did not speak, he also was among several players who attended the press conference, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
MLB players at today’s press conference pic.twitter.com/d1Pw7lO4H2
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 2, 2022
While addressing failed CBA negotiations, Clark alluded to a belief MLB team owners are attempting to break the union. It was a sentiment that had previously been suggested — but not outright stated by the Players Association.
Meanwhile, Miller and Scherzer both emphasized the MLBPA is focused on competitive integrity and not just financial matters.
Nevertheless, competitive balance thresholds appeared to be a significant obstacle that the two sides failed to overcome.
MLBPA criticizes MLB for canceling games
After the announcement Opening Day and the first two series of the regular season were canceled, the union issued a scathing statement that again was critical of MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
“Rob Manfred and MLB’s owners have cancelled the start of the season. Players and fans around the world who love baseball are disgusted, but sadly not surprised,” the MLBPA said.
“From the beginning of these negotiations, Players’ objectives have been consistent — to promote competition, provide compensation for young Players, and to uphold the integrity of our market system. Against the backdrop of growing revenues and record profits, we are seeking nothing more than a fair agreement.
“What Rob Manfred characterized as a ‘defensive lockout’ is, in fact, the culmination of a decades-long attempt by owners to break our Player fraternity. As in the past, this effort will fail. We are united and committed to negotiating a fair deal that will improve the sport for Players, fans and everyone who loves our game.”
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