For the last several years both the leaders of the MLB and the Players Union have been fighting in the press. Each issuing press statements for changes and responding to each other in kind. Talk of a shutdown possibly this year, was getting louder throughout the winter break. It was beginning to look like another round of fighting between them was on the way. Which, potentially, meant no Kansas City Royals baseball.
MLB management is worried about the possible short attention span of young fans. The Players Union is worried about policies limiting contract amounts and the erosion of work and money for veterans.