Source - MLB, MLBPA remain far apart on new CBA as deadline looms

JUPITER, Fla. — Despite a long day of conversations between MLB and the MLBPA on Sunday, the sides still remain far apart on a new collective bargaining agreement, a union source told ESPN.

The six-plus hours of meetings came a day before a league-imposed deadline which would trigger the cancellation of regular-season games. If the sport doesn't have a new collective bargaining agreement by the end of negotiations on Monday, Opening Day on March 31 will be canceled along with potentially a week's worth of games.

The league has indicated they want about four weeks of spring training before opening the season, hence the Feb.28 deadline in order to play on March 31.

The sides will meet again Monday morning for an eighth consecutive bargaining session. A union source indicated they're ready to stay as long as it takes to reach an agreement. The league has said the same. A league source called Sunday a «productive» day of conversations but no new proposals on core economics were exchanged nor were any outstanding issues resolved.

The sides remain far apart on many items including minimum salaries, the competitive balance tax, Super 2 expansion, revenue sharing, expanded postseason and a new pre-arbitration bonus pool. The league stated last week if regular-season games are canceled, they won't be made up nor will players be paid for a 162 game season. The union contends they're likely to negotiate back pay in any return to play scenario.

But first, an agreement has to be reached. Sunday had smaller group conversations beginning with league negotiator Dan Halem meeting with union lawyer Bruce Meyer. Owners stayed back in their boardrooms while league lawyers then spoke with union counterparts along with three players on the