3:13 PM
Sources familiar with the talks told ESPN that Major League Baseball and the players' association met on Thursday for the first time since the owners locked out the players.
Scheduling, grievance procedures, special events and/or the drug and domestic violence policies were some of the non-core economic issues discussed.
There's a chance to build on some of the smaller issues between now and the New Year, when the major obstacles to a new agreement will take place.
Revenue sharing between clubs, the arbitration process and years in the league to free agency are some of the key economic issues which led to the Lockout.
The last collective bargaining agreement expired on December 1st and the owners locked out the players until a new deal is reached. The players on 40-man rosters can't communicate with team personnel or use team facilities. The commissioner indicated at the time that the Lockout was a way to get the negotiations going again in January.
