What to know as baseball is officially delayed

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Typically, this week would be the start of big-league spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting to camps in Arizona and Florida.

Instead, the MLB lockout has officially bled into spring training. The league postponed the first week of exhibition games, and the threat of a delay to the regular season persists.

For anybody who hasn’t been driven away from the game to this point, here’s what you need to know to keep your eye on the ball as the work stoppage rolls on.

When was MLB spring training supposed to start?

Only a few teams set official report dates for pitchers and catchers. The Orioles and Rays were scheduled to open their camps on Tuesday.

The Cubs never set an official report date but typically open camp within a couple of days after the first report dates.

When are spring training games scheduled to begin?

To be determined, but no earlier than March 5. MLB postponed the first week of games amid the ongoing league-implemented lockout.

MORE: MLB postpones first week of spring training games

Cactus League and Grapefruit League play was scheduled to begin Feb. 26. The Cubs were set to host the Dodgers, and the White Sox the A's, in Arizona.

The Cubs are scheduled to play the Brewers, and the White Sox the Dodgers, March 5.

Is minor league spring training happening?

The minor league season is not affected by the lockout. Cubs VP of player personnel Matt Dorey told NBC Sports Chicago it's "business as usual" on that side of things.

The Cubs are holding a minor league minicamp that starts Tuesday, and their minor league spring training is scheduled to open March 7. 

Are MLB and the players union close to reaching a new labor agreement?

There’s no indication of that. The two sides are far apart on key issues, including the biggest issue: the luxury tax. The union reportedly was underwhelmed by the league’s last proposal.

The players made a counterproposal Thursday that was a "non-starter" for MLB, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

How soon could spring training begin?

That remains unclear with the lockout still in place. However, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week he expects it would take less than a week to open camps after a new labor deal is reached.

Will the regular season start on time?

An on-time start to the regular season is in jeopardy. Manfred has said MLB estimates needing four weeks for spring training after a labor agreement is reached.

Further, MLB reportedly told the union Feb. 28 is the deadline for an agreement for Opening Day to happen as scheduled March 31.

What’s next?

MLB and the union are scheduled to continue negotiations on Monday. The league also said in a statement Friday the two sides are set to meet every day next week in an effort to strike a deal.

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