An MLB lockout that had reached its 98th day and threatened to cancel a second week of regular-season games finally appeared to be nearing a resolution Wednesday. Gaps between the owners and players around minimum salaries and a designated player pool had narrowed to the point of reason. Concessions were made with regard to the competitive balance tax threshold, an onerous issue that at times seemed to jeopardize the entire deal.
And then suddenly, an under-the-radar issue became the central obstacle to a new collective bargaining agreement: an international draft.
Major League Baseball has been pushing for one from the onset of negotiations and ultimately decided it would not agree to eliminate draft-pick compensation -- a priority for the union -- without it.