(Reprint From The
Los Angeles Times)
August 7, 2002
By Bill Shaikin
Strike Won't be a
Big Deal to Players
CHICAGO -- If a
player strike results in the cancellation of the playoffs and deprives the
Angels of the chance for their first postseason appearance in 16 years, so
be it.
So say the Angel players, after a briefing Tuesday by their union
representative, pitcher Scott Schoeneweis.
"Obviously, we're having a great year, and it would be unfortunate if
some or all of that was lost," Schoeneweis said. "But I feel
pretty vehement about the issues. These things have to be resolved."
Said infielder Scott Spiezio: "Nobody wants the season to end. But
we're pretty strong in our feelings, and we'll stick together."
Schoeneweis said "the owners are well aware" that players could
set a strike date Monday in the absence of substantial negotiating
progress before then. The players will submit a steroid testing proposal
today, he said, but the thornier issues of revenue sharing and a luxury
tax will not be solved by an agreement on steroid testing.
"I don't know if it has any bearing for or against us getting a deal
done," he said.
Donald Watkins appears to be the only party interested in buying the Angels now. But a labor agreement would ensure that revenues flow uninterrupted for several years, so suitors not interested in buying into a sport on the verge of a work stoppage could swoop in once players and owners reach a deal.
Watkins acknowledges that his best chance to buy the team is now. Despite industry skepticism that he might never reach a deal if he has not done so after six months of discussions with Disney, the Alabama businessman insists his pursuit has not lost momentum.
"I'm putting a great deal of effort into getting a deal done prior to the resolution of labor issues," Watkins said Tuesday.
"I think it is to my benefit to try to get a deal done before a work stoppage, if there is one. I work hard at this every day."