Tell us when and where. That has been the recent mantra of Major League Baseball players.

And with reported movement between the league and its players, perhaps it was effective. Sports Illustrated host Robin Lundberg talked with MLB writer Emma Baccellieri and Max Goodman of Inside The Pinstripes about what it means, especially in regards to an agreement to play baseball in the 2020 season.

Read the Full Transcript: 

Robin Lundberg: Tell us when and where. That's been the mantra from Major League Baseball players, and with baseball and its players closer to a deal, perhaps it was effective. For more on being joined by our Emma Baccellieri and Max Goodman of Inside the Pinstripes. Emil, let's start with you. You know the player's side of things. How did they get movement here? 

Emma Baccellieri: Yes, this was pretty much, you know, that phrase you said. Tell us when and where they ended their last public statement with that. And since then, we've seen a really strong show of solidarity from the players. Lots of players tweeting this, Instagram, this, using the platforms that they have to kind of just reiterate their commitment from their side to want him to be back out there. And that is something that, you know, it does shift that the narrative a little in terms of how we normally see these labor disagreements. This is baseball's first real moment of serious labor strife in the social media age. And to see players using their platform on this is something that hasn't really been a factor in past baseball disagreements. And I've seen just how much it really registered right here, that that is something that's new and that showed real power.

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Robin Lundberg: You know, Max, out there, the Yankees, one of the biggest franchises in the sport, you know, so obviously what the people behind that brand say is going to hold some weight. What's shifted with the owners here?

Max Goodman: Well, considering where we were 48 hours ago, Robin, this is a monumental step in the right direction. The reports that came out on Wednesday that well, Jon Heyman said that the two sides were closing in on an agreement. Couple other reporters backtrack a little bit to say that there is no agreement in principle yet, but that the two sides are getting closer. And I've used the analogy in the past that the MLB and the MLB Players Association have been two parallel lines up to this point. Emma said that the players want to play, and that's true. But from a negotiating perspective, they haven't really given into each other. But a report that Commissioner Rob Manfred took a flight and went to meet with the head of the players association, Tony Clark, in person. And now these negotiations, we're going to get back on track. It seems like both sides. And I'm answering the question about the league. So it looks like the commissioner, on behalf of all the owners, are going to start to give in to what the players want a little bit. And it's like a peace offering in a sense. So expect potentially pro-rated salaries, which is what the players have been asking for, an expanded postseason. And hopefully, we can get this on track soon. 

Robin Lundberg: You can't expect a home run from any deal. You just want to get on base and hopefully, baseball will be played. Emma. Max, I appreciate your time.