The latest round of MLB collective bargaining agreement talks between owners and players lasted just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that correct.
There is no right and wrong party to blame for the lack of movement in MLB CBA talks at this point. While the owners made the decision to lock out the players in the first place, the stubbornness on both sides of this debate makes it all the more excruciating to watch play out live.
As baseball fans, we’re all tired. Spring training is supposed to bring with it hope and inspiration that even the worst of teams can make a run. Maybe, just maybe.
Instead, here we are, wondering if the season will start on time or if there will be a regular season at all.
When does spring training start?
Pitchers and catchers were supposed to report on February 15. Obviously, that has not occurred, although minor-league spring training is in full swing.
Spring training will only start once a new CBA is agreed to. When that happens (if that happens), expect players to report shortly thereafter to get as much work in as possible before Opening Day.
When is Opening Day?
Opening Day was supposed to be March 31. Suddenly, the start of the regular season is in doubt after a 15-minute meeting went haywire on Thursday afternoon.
MLB’s self-imposed deadline to agree to a new CBA in hopes of starting the regular season on time is 11 days from now. Good luck.
Latest MLB-MLBPA meeting sets Twitter ablaze
15 minutes. That’s the amount of time MLB and MLBPA reps could handle sitting in the same room together.
As you can imagine, baseball fans weren’t thrilled. At the next meeting, we might as well lock the door and swallow the key.
Pace of play is more important than pace of negotiation meetings https://t.co/aNnSsDjMs0
— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) February 17, 2022
Is there a single position at any company in the world that contributes less to their company or industry than sports team owners? https://t.co/3Sf1jqf8SI
— Creighton (@CreightonOTE) February 17, 2022
Could've been an email. https://t.co/ES1hKT3cco
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) February 17, 2022
We are not going to get anywhere if people keep walking out of the room. They need to be locked in a room until a deal is reached.. it’s the only way https://t.co/2x5sdWTe2Q
— Danny Tenga (@danny_tenga) February 17, 2022
I'm not even mad because I've set my expectations so low at this point that nothing can piss me off https://t.co/WjQtL0Lnjf
— Shelly Sharp (@sharpshel) February 17, 2022
Alexa, can you please play "Family Reunion" by Blink-182?https://t.co/YiHXS8CkKW
— Thomas Carannante (@TOMMYS_TAKES) February 17, 2022
I need baseball!
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 16, 2022
Come on you guys, stop being stupid and make a deal!
Great. So, #MLB's CBA talks have turned into a GEICO ad. https://t.co/zDyiTuFhFE
— Cory McCartney (@coryjmccartney) February 17, 2022
You, a simpleton: there won’t be any baseball this spring!
— And the Valley Shook (Now Blue Checkmark-Less) (@ATVShook) February 17, 2022
Me, an intellect: college baseball starts tomorrow! https://t.co/bidUxR3DRp
Ok it’s time… every man has to leave. Send in the women. This gets done by 9pm https://t.co/XQNywNsayd
— Chris Bassitt (@C_Bass419) February 17, 2022
Maybe after another 78 days these meetings will be up to 30 minutes. https://t.co/tM93xvIxCK
— Andrew Felts (@andrewfelts) February 17, 2022
This is bad for baseball.