Players in L.A. Hear Fehr Discuss Issues of Lockout

Baseball union leader Don Fehr met with about 50 players in Los Angeles Thursday to update them on the status of the collective bargaining talks.

The meeting served more as a chance for players to reaffirm their belief in the stance of the Major League Players Assn., in the wake of the recent lack of progress.

“This was basically a reconfirmation on the strength of our union,” said Steve Sax, of the New York Yankees. “No matter what, that will always remain, and we’re not going to waver from the unity in that room.”

After the 2 1/2-hour meeting, players were in accord in their support of the union on the 15th day of the spring training lockout. They also voiced discontent with the lockout, saying they would prefer to be playing despite the lack of an agreement.

Players also insist that arbitration eligibility is not the only issue keeping them from an agreement.

“There’s not just one issue. There are many issues and they are all interrelated,” Dodger catcher Mike Scioscia said. “That’s what’s been so discouraging, and that’s where you really can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Fehr said there was some communication between the union and owners on the staff level in New York Thursday, mainly dealing with outlying issues and language on agreements already reached. Gene Orza, player associate general counsel, said nothing of substance happened.

Talks with the owners broke off Monday when Fehr traveled to Phoenix to meet with the union’s executive board. He will meet with another group of players in Tampa, Fla., tonight, then will return to New York. Fehr hopes to meet with the owners Monday or Tuesday.