MLB players, owners make familiar arguments as labor contract deadline approaches

PHILADELPHIA — It’s just the first inning in this year’s collective-bargaining negotiations for a new basic agreement. The current five-year deal expires on Dec. 1. But if one listens to the principals at this point, there seems to be little wiggle room on the main contention of the talks — a salary cap. Both sides are immovable. The result will certainly be an owners' lockout of the players this offseason; the only question is whether games will be missed during the 2027 season if both sides…