We're still here, and we're still talking about MLB's proposed playoff expansion from eight to ten teams. We've known for some time that there are going to be ten playoff teams in 2013. Getting that all set up for 2012 is a different animal.

Based on recent reports, it looks like a virtual certainty. One complication is that there was supposed to be a March 1 deadline to reach an agreement. According to sources, though, the consensus attitude is "whatever".

Negotiators for baseball players and owners say there is no set deadline for an agreement to expand the playoffs to 10 teams this season.

But in recent days both sides said negotiations would continue beyond Thursday if they needed time. The sides spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the talks have not been public.

It's possible that an agreement could be reached today. But if not, it's not a big deal, because the deadline isn't a deadline. There does exist some deadline, since these negotiations obviously can't continue into the season, but March 1 was kind of arbitrary and so nobody involved is stressing out about it. The deadline for an agreement is "soon". As time passes, it becomes "more soon".

They should agree any day now. Assume ten playoff teams.