US, Aug 22: The climax of the Major League Baseball season remains under threat despite regular meetings between players' representatives and the owners. Negotiators met twice on Tuesday to discuss the core economic issues and have plans to continue discussions this week.
But time is running out as a proposed strike date of 30 August approaches.
And players union head Donald Fehr has been openly critical of the owners' economic expectations, calling them "a wholesale attack on the salary structure".
In memos sent to players and agents, Fehr said management's revenue sharing and luxury tax plans would result in crippling losses for baseball's biggest spenders.
The New York Yankees, who gave up $28m (£18m) of their $242m revenue to other teams last year, would have to surrender $86.9m, Fehr said.
Baseball fans ranging from children to US President George W Bush - who used to be a part owner of the Texas Rangers - have called for strike action to be avoided.
But the signs are not good and many are braced for what would be the ninth baseball walkout since 1972.
Former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton told BBC Radio Five Live that a strike would occur unless the owners conceded ground.
Bureau Report