Labor negotiations still at an impasse

New York Baseball players asked owners more questions about management’s latest economic proposals but weren’t ready to make a counteroffer during labor negotiations Wednesday.

Earlier this month, owners had proposed to ease up to a 50-percent tax on payrolls over $98 million and agreed to cut the commissioner’s discretionary fund from $100 million to $85 million.

Players, fearful owners will change economic rules after the World Series, have begun to think about possible August strike, which would be baseball’s ninth work stoppage since 1972.

The sides will meet again Thursday in the last full-bargaining session before the All-Star break.

Smith, Yount, chosen as All-Star game captains

New York Ozzie Smith and Robin Yount were picked Wednesday to be the honorary captains for next month’s All-Star game.

Smith, who played for St. Louis, will represent the National League. Yount will represent the American League, even though the Milwaukee Brewers switched leagues after he retired.

Kile memorial held

St. Louis Dozens of players and 5,000 fans came to Busch Stadium Wednesday for an hour-long memorial service for Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile. Kile, 33, died Saturday in his Chicago hotel bed of a heart attack caused by what doctors said were blocked arteries.