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CLEVELAND -- Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is hopeful an agreement on a new labor contract will be reached before the current deal expires Dec. 1.Negotiators for management and the players association have been meeting in New York this week. The 2006 contract was announced during the World Series and the 2011 agreement on Nov. 22.There are certain natural deadlines that kind of flow around the end of the World Series and then through the expiration date of the agreement, Manfred said Wednesday before Game 2 between the?Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. Each of the last couple of times, weve either gotten it done during the World Series or a few days afterwards. I remain optimistic that were going to be in that same window in terms of getting it done.Primary issues include luxury tax thresholds, managements desire for a draft of international amateur players, changes in schedule rules to ease travel and international play, such as regular-season games in London. Baseball has not had a work stoppage since the 1994-95 strike that led to the cancellation of the World Series for the first time in 90 years.Manfred was managements primary negotiator for the past three labor deals, then he succeeded Bud Selig as commissioner in January 2015. Former All-Star first baseman Tony Clark is leading players in talks for the first time; he took over as union head following the death of Michael Weiner in November 2013.Manfred said that whether an agreement is reached during this years Series depends on how long the World Series goes.On other topics:RatingsClevelands 6-0 win over Chicago?on Tuesday night drew the highest rating on Fox for a Series opener since 2009. Viewers are intrigued by the Cubs quest for their first title since 1908; the Indians have not won since 1948.An average of 19.4 million viewers watched on Fox, up 30 percent from the 14.9 million average for the?Kansas City Royals 14-inning Game 1 win over the New York Mets last season.We define our postseason challenge as finding narratives that takes our tremendous seasonlong, local audiences and draws them into the postseason, even if their team is not there in the postseason, Manfred said. I think that the narrative surrounding 68 years in Cleveland and 108 years in Chicago is exactly the recipe that we need to take that tremendous local fan interest that goes on all season long and draws it into the postseason. And the rating last night was a first indication that that narrative is going to be powerful.Olympics/World Baseball ClassicIt is imperative that our sport continue to develop a broader international footprint, Manfred said. It is the way that the media landscape is going to evolve; attracting international audiences is going to be absolutely crucial. I think its an area where we need to continue to focus. Our players need to be prepared to go to different countries and play, because I think its crucial to building the popularity of the game in other countries.The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March.Given the difficulties associated with playing major league players in the Olympics, I think its important for baseball to continue to have a premier international event. We need to work hard to make sure that the WBC is that event, he said.Indians logoManfred plans to meet with Indians owner Paul Dolan following the Series to discuss the teams continued use of the controversial Chief Wahoo logo. The smiling, red-faced symbol has stirred strong opinions for years. Manfred said he understands that particular logo is offensive to some people, and all of us at Major League Baseball understand why.Manfred also appreciated the segment of fans who are attached to Chief Wahoo, which still appears on some of the Indians caps and sleeves of game jerseys.The Indians dropped Chief Wahoo as their primary logo three years ago, replacing it with a block C, but that isnt enough for some groups who want it abolished completely.Manfred said he and Dolan agreed to put off discussion until after the Series.Oakland and Tampa ballparksI think both Tampa and Oakland are major league markets, and we need major league-quality facilities in those two markets, Manfred said.The St. Petersburg City Council voted in January to give the?Rays?permission to search for new ballpark sites on both sides of Tampa Bay. The teams current lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2027.I dont see me in a position of making an immediate timetable or putting a timetable out there immediately, because were far enough away from the end of the lease, Manfred said. Fake Magic Jerseys .C. -- Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Bobcats got off to a fast start, and the Sacramento Kings were never quite able to catch up. Bo Outlaw Jersey . -- Ryan Getzlaf grabbed the three pucks wrapped in tape and held them up to his chest in the Anaheim Ducks dressing room for a celebration nine seasons in the making. https://www.cheapmagiconline.com/928i-markelle-fultz-jersey-magic.html . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. Amile Jefferson Jersey . The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey-free round for a 17-under total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. Evan Fournier Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla.Wales captain Sam Warburton is among four players who have re-signed national dual contracts ahead of the autumn Tests The Welsh Rugby Union announced on Friday that Warburton, his back-row colleague Dan Lydiate, prop Samson Lee and back Hallam Amos have all signed the deals.Warburton, 28, became the first player to sign a national contract with the WRU in January 2014, which then evolved into a national dual contract with his regional team Cardiff Blues. Lydiate joined the Ospreys from French club Racing 92 on a dual contract, while Newport Gwent Dragons Amos first signed in December 2014 and Scarlets forward Lee a month later. Live PRO12 Rugby Union October 29, 2016, 2:30pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass The contracts are 60 per cent funded by the WRU, with a players region paying the remainder. Ospreys Dan Lydiate commits future to Wales And the WRUs announcement comes just eight days before Wales kick-off their autumn series against Australia in Cardiff, which is followed by matches with Argentina, Japan and South Africa over successive weekends.WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: I am delighted that we are able to announce that four international stars have re-emphasised their commitment to the game here in Wales by re-signing national dual contracts. Hallam Amos currently playing for Newport Gwent Dragons Having our best players playing here in Wales is vital to the future health of our game.dddddddddddd. We have made no secret of that, and the importance both on and off the field at regional and national level in Welsh players playing their rugby in Wales.The close working relationship and ambition shared with the regions is crucial in our ability to retain players. Together, we believe we are creating an environment that players want to play in and will get the best out of them on the field. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. In addition, our player-centred approach is not only helping extend their playing career, but also helping with success in their career after rugby.Seeing international players re-sign these contracts highlights the success of the programme as we continue to work hard to drive the game forward. Samson Lee of the Scarlets extends dual contract with the WRU Reflecting on Warburtons deal, Blues head coach Danny Wilson added: We are thrilled that Sam has signed a new national dual contract with the WRU and ourselves.Sam is obviously a top international-class flanker and has a vast amount of experience. With his leadership ability and having achieved so much in the game, he is a great asset for Cardiff Blues.Its great that he sees his future here, and he will be a key figure for us moving forward.You can watch Premier League football, plus Englands tour of Bangladesh and the Mexican Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price! Also See: Rugby on Sky Follow @SkySportsRugby Pundits Fixtures and results ' ' '