51.   In the afternoon meeting, management gave details of proposals it made last week on salary arbitration and a rookie salary cap.

52.   Last week, the players hoped that something approaching a rookie salary cap would help to unlock the stalemate.

53.   Last week, they agreed to a rookie salary cap.

54.   Meanwhile, a source told The Associated Press the sides have agreed to a rookie cap, although specifics still have to be worked out.

55.   Shenkarow, meanwhile, is trying to keep an open mind, in the wake of the rookie cap that the negotiators have agreed to in principle.

56.   So far, negotiators have agreed a rookie salary cap is needed to stem the dramatic rise in salaries, but have agreed on little else.

57.   The informal sessions have concentrated on three of the core issues -- a rookie salary cap, free agency and salary arbitration.

58.   The informal sessions have concentrated on the core issues -- a rookie salary cap, free agency and salary arbitration.

59.   The marathon session bridged what had been significant gaps in the arbitration, rookie cap and reopener issues.

60.   The owners and players recently discussed such issues as a luxury tax, a rookie salary cap, salary arbitration and free agency.