Manfred, Union Clash Over Salary Cap as Brewers, Rays Open World Series

Before Game 1 on Friday, Commissioner Rob Manfred said the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays strengthen the owners' case for a salary cap. Both teams finished in the bottom half of the league in payroll. MLBPA executive director Bruce Meyer pushed back, saying a cap restricts competition and these playoffs weaken the owners' argument. MLB proposed a $243.5 million cap and a $171.2 million floor in June. The union says it will not agree to a cap. The collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, and a lockout is expected unless the two sides reach a surprise deal.