Even though a Dec. 1 deadline is looming, negotiations toward a new labor deal in Major League Baseball have progressed this week, to the point where sources finally are expressing optimism that an agreement can be reached before owners impose a lockout.
Two sources who had spoken with both sides told ESPN.com on Wednesday that they now sense there is "a path to a deal," following day-long negotiations Tuesday that stretched into the night.
Owners and the players' union have been hung up for weeks over several major issues -- most notably an international draft, the elimination of draft-pick compensation for teams that sign free agents and a new luxury tax/revenue-sharing formula.