the big leagues running smoothly. effective at 12:01 a.m. this morning, we instituted a lockout of major league players. reporter: a baseball lockout for the first time in more than 25 years. pitting the players union against team owners who left dallas after days of failed negotiations it was worthwhile in terms of the process moving forward. reporter: part of that process, the lockout, stopping any team from signing or trading a player until a deal is done the mlb even taking measures online by removing player head shots on every team s website. the players association responding stating, this drastic and unnecessary measure will not affect the players resolve to reach a fair contract. now, both sides disagree on plenty, but there are three main sticking points free agency. players want to qualify for it sooner. expanded playoffs in an effort by the league to generate more revenue and higher minimum salaries for players who can get cut before renegotiating.