Every umpire hired into the major leagues came from the minors. It's like being paid to go to school for the diploma and training you need for the chance at a very well-paid job.

It seriously compromises our ability to be competitive.

We agreed to settle with no admission of wrongdoing. The umpires are on strike over their demands for more money, not because of alleged unfair labor practices.

Minor-league baseball will continue with replacements. No further negotiations are scheduled or contemplated.