MLB talks produce progress, anger as deadline approaches

By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball negotiations took several steps forward and overcame a possible breakdown, leaving less than two days until management’s deadline for an agreement to salvage opening day on March 31 and a 162-game schedule. While the sides moved toward each other on some topics, they remained far apart on the biggest economic issues: luxury tax thresholds and rates, the minimum salary and the new pre-arbitration bonus pool. Players were angered by the state of negotiations and imitally would not commit to extending talks. After internal discussions, they agreed to meet for a seventh staight day Sunday.