LABOR PEACE FOR MLB

The players union and major league baseball have reached accord on a new deal that will run through 2011.

The deal includes adjusted formulas for revenue sharing, a higher threshold for the competitive balance tax, a revamped draft for amateur players, changes in draft pick compensation for free agents and the elimination of long-standing deadline dates for free agents which gives teams additional flexibility in re-signing their players.

Let's hope that the timing of the new deal is a good omen and indicates that there will be labor peace for major league baseball for years to come.

Dave Burkey