*Photo from NBC News*
Despite the request for federal mediation being denied, there is someone in the government who wants to help MLB and the MLBPA out in negotiations. U.S. secretary of labor Marty Walsh told MLB on Sunday that he would be willing to assist in CBA negotiations with the MLBPA, according to The Athletic's Evan Drellich.
In a statement, Walsh said that "I have spoken to both the MLBPA and MLB about the ongoing contract negotiations and encourage both sides to continue engagement. Like any contract negotiation in any industry, I stand ready to help facilitate productive conversations that result in the best outcome for workers and employers."
Walsh, who was the former mayor of Boston, is trying to help end the stalemate the MLB and MLBPA have been in since the lockout began in early December. The sides didn't even resume talks until mid January, and since then, although some concessions have been made, it's been nothing but finger pointing and lack of progress in meetings between both sides.
The interest from Walsh comes after the MLBPA declined the owners request for federal mediation in the lockout negotiations 5 days ago. Federal mediation was tried by both sides in the 1994 player strike, but was ultimately unsuccessful in doing so. Meanwhile, federal mediation helped to end the NHL lockout in 2012.
Asked about declining mediation, MLBPA executive board member and St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Miller said that "The reasoning though is because we don't think it speeds up the process at all, history tells us in our sport it hasn't been favorable to reaching a deal, and our staff and outside counsel guide us on things like this. That is what they are for."
Miller continued on, saying that "Our position is that it is quite the opposite from negotiating and being ready to negotiate. We are there, and our proposals and desire to meet at the table show that. The league is refusing to counter, the league is the side that has stalled and not been willing or ready to meet."
The start date of spring training, on February 14, definitely won't happen now, with major leaguers and 40 man roster players likely looking at an extended lockout, with opening day at the end of March now likely in jeopardy as well.
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