BASEBALL NEGOTIATIONS FACE LAST INNING

That Friday deadline for resolving the baseball strike, imposed by acting commissioner Bud Selig, is looming without any solid hope for saving the season. One possible sign of optimism: an owners' proposal that would allow high-priced bidding to continue without salary caps, but would punish the biggest-spending clubs by levying a "tax" on salaries above a preset level, according to NBC-TV. Both the players and owners hope Selig extends that do-or-die date.