MLBPA

Almost famously, as portrayed in the movies, working conditions for minor league baseball players has been an issue for decades. Travel, living accommodations, food and pay have all been subjects of protest at one time or another. Recently, Major League Baseball, backed by its billionaire owners, acquiesced to some salary and living condition demands by minor league players. Now it seems those players are may get some help from their big brothers.

As fans grew tired of the public negotiations between the Major League owners and the MLB Players Association, thousands of New Yorkers were more upset about the money they would personally be losing. When MLB commissioner Rob Manfred officially delayed the season last week, that meant good-bye to a week's paycheck for thousands of New York residents.

February 28th is not the date that baseball executives resign from their positions without some deep, even drastic reasons. Baseball lifers, like New York Yankees Hall of Famer, Derek Jeter are anxiously anticipating the start of season, not dreading it. So, why did Derek Jeter walk away from his CEO position and 4% ownership stake from the Miami Marlins? Could it have been a result on the Marlins' small market ownership stance on the Major League Baseball lockout? Could Derek Jeter's player DNA gotten the best of him during the tense negotiations?

The Major League baseball owners and the MLB Players Association met again on Tuesday. It was announced afterward that "little progress" was made. However, realistically, each step of progress will usher the two sides towards an eventual agreement. And, it may be sooner than we are being led to believe.

A week from Sunday is Super Bowl LVI. A few days after the NFL's biggest game, Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers were scheduled to begin spring training. The first is happening. The second is less than doubtful. Given the temperature of baseball fans these days and the ever dwindling numbers, somebody had better start talking.

The MLB updated their website to reflect the newly established lockout, and New York Yankees' Jameson Taillon found the perfect way to poke fun at the league.