Author: Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY

Baseball’s first work stoppage since 1994-95 officially began Thursday after players days of failed negotiations.

Both sides thought Tuesday’s meeting would be critical in building momentum towards a deal in the near future.

More than $1.4 billion in guaranteed contracts have been handed out even as MLB teams and players expect a lockout when the CBA expires Wednesday.

Team needs and free agency was discussed at the GM meetings, but it ended with the collective bargaining agreement still waiting to be negotiated.

Powerful agent Scott Boras was critical of “the fact that the system allowed” Atlanta to win the World Series, despite being under .500 on Aug. 1.

Juan Soto, a finalist for the NL MVP award, recently became fully vaccinated. “We’ve got to trust our doctors. It’s crazy how good they are.”

Bob Melvin read the tea leaves before joining the San Diego Padres. The Oakland A’s are set to slash the payroll and begin a rebuilding process.

After two up-and-down seasons, Atlanta wasn’t sure Austin Riley was the answer at third base. Instead of dealing him the 24-year-old became a star.