MLB stand off continues even as Manfred says framework agreed with players' union chief

Major League Baseball (MLB) season could start again soon following meeting between Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and players’ union head Tony Clark in Phoenix on Wednesday, June 17. Manfred said that a basic framework for  return had been agreed with Clark. However, two sides have hit a roadblock over payment of salaries.

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MLB stand off continues 

“I summarised that framework numerous times in meeting and sent Tony a written summary today. Consistent with our conversations yesterday, I am encouraging Clubs to move forward and I trust Tony is doing same," said  Baseball Commissioner.

MLB has made three proposals, last for a 72-game season starting July 14 that would guarantee about $1.23 billion of salaries that originally totaled roughly $4 billion. MLB has said that it would increase total to $1.45 billion if postseason is completed. 

Players insist y get full prorated salaries called for in March 26 agreement with MLB.  deal states season doesn’t have to start unless re are relevant travel restrictions in US and Canada, and that games can be played before fans in all 30 regular-season ballparks.

READ: AP Source: Chance MLB Won't Play Increases In Money Fight'

On Wednesday re were rumors that an agreement reached between two parties, however, player's union was quick to dismiss all such rumors and clarified that agreements had been reached with authorities over pay. 

READ: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred w Less Confident About 2020 Season

Earlier this week, Yankees President Randy Levine said that everyone wants to get to field and play once again and called for negotiations to resume and reach a conclusion.

"So what I believe needs to happen is that parties need to get toger as soon as possible to resolve those issues so we can get season going. All 30 clubs want to play. commissioner wants to play. players want to play. So let’s get se issues solved so we can begin playing baseball. March agreement said players would negotiate se issues. commissioner has assured me he’s ready to do so. players should get in a room and start negotiating so we can get going," Levine added.

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(with ncy inputs)