Jon Morosi

Bassett's contribution is certainly far above mine, but I appreciate being called an old friend as well.

You're right, Jeff, that it is a reminder of exactly where these negotiations stand.

And these sides are far apart.

It's obviously also far in advance of when the CBA expires on December 1st.

I would like to at the outset of these labor negotiations, sometimes when we talk about

striking a deal and sides negotiating that the analogy of the football field is used.

Okay.

We're on the 10 yard line.

We're on the five yard line.

I think the opposite football analogy applies here to where the union's on this goal line and MLB is on this goal line.

And how close are, how close, or in this case, how far are they from meeting at midfield?

And the question is the, the, basically the union saying, well,

We're not going to accept the cap.

And MLB is saying, we're proposing a cap.

And that's about as far as you can get away on the opposing goal lines from what could be that compromise in the middle of the field.

So whether you're playing on 120-yard field or 110 or 100, it's still pretty far.

And so that's where this is all setting up right now.

I think you're right, Jeff.

This has been hinted at, speculated about.

And let's be clear.