MLB lockout: Braves CEO remains optimistic that regular season will start on time

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves fans hoping for an end to Major League Baseball lockout and a start to spring training will have to keep waiting.

Braves pitchers and catchers were supposed to report to spring training Monday in North Port, Florida. The first spring training game was scheduled for a week from Saturday.

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Instead, they are at their respective homes spread out all over the country as the MLB lockout entered Day 75.

The league owners made their latest proposal over the weekend with little progress made. Currently, there are plans for the next bargaining session.

Channel 2 Action News caught up with Braves CEO Derek Schiller during the team’s first trophy tour stop Monday at Colony Square.

Schiller said he remains optimistic the two sides can get a deal done in the near future.

“Like any fan, I feel the disappointment that we couldn’t reach an agreement right off the bat, but I’m also optimistic about it. I have full confidence that we will start on time,” Schiller said. “Until someone says there is a delay in spring training, we are going to continue business as usual.”

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If a deal is reached, MLB’s regular season is scheduled to begin on March 31. Meanwhile, Freddie Freeman’s future with a team remains the other top question.

Due to the lockout, there can be zero communication between the Braves and Freeman’s camp.

“That is the question on a lot of people’s minds. We’ll see what happens there, too,” Schiller said.

World Series trophy going on tour, making 151 stops across Braves country

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