BASEBALL STRIKE . . . SALARY FREEZE MELTING, FOR NOW

The never-ending talks to end themajor league baseball strikewill go on longer, but with the nettlesome salary cap issue on ice. Under pressure from federal mediator and former Labor Secretary W.J. Usery, team owners last night agreed not to impose the cap -- the central reason why players walked and won't come back -- when talks resume Dec. 9. Dropping that move keeps players, who are expected to come up with their own offer by then, at the table.Post your opinion on theSocietybulletin board.