MLBPA executive director Tony Clark on meeting with Orioles players today

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles clubhouse was closed to reporters this morning as the players met with Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

He makes the rounds and meets with players at every camp and today he saw the Orioles.

"These meetings are an opportunity to share with guys a state of the union of sorts," Clark said. "But also to make sure that we go through any of the issues that have been part of the headlines the last few months. Whether it's pace of game, instant replay, domestic violence, any of those things will come up during the meeting. Meetings have been great, input has been great. Guys have offered input and asked questions."

Clark discussed the topic of a big league team playing an exhibition game in Cuba. The Orioles played there in 1999 and would like to go again. Clark was asked if it's feasible for a team to go play there soon.

"The obstacles everyone knows - and I say everyone knows to the extent we don't even know what all the obstacles are," Clark said. "Know that logic sounds kind of convoluted. Where we were three months ago is a little different than where we may be three months from now.

"Although there appeared to be some restrictions and some developments from the standpoint of it opening up and possibilities being there, which led to a lot of the dialogue this spring about there being an opportunity to go play - I think this club was the last to have played over there. Is it possible? Sure it's possible, but the landscape we may be trying to navigate even later this year for '16 may be different than it is as we sit here right now.

"But everyone is paying attention with a lot of interest, not only because of the talent from there, but about the possibilities that exist above and beyond what they've been for a long time."

Here is what Clark said about other topics:

On MLBPA's relationship with new commissioner Rob Manfred: "Solid. There are open lines of communication and respect that is there that in large part has led to the growth of the industry in general over the last 20 years. We don't always agree, but that relationship has been solid and I expect that to continue."

On the feedback he is getting about the new pace of game rules: "There is a delicate line we are balancing. When you talk about rules that can affect the game on the field, that can be difficult. We are trying to change habits, affect some positive change and see if we can shorten the overall length of games while not negatively affecting the job they have to do on the field. I don't have any concerns at this point. Like with replay, there may be adjustments that have to be made. But we are all working toward the same goal. At the end, if something starts with a two rather than a three, that's a plus."

On the chance for an international draft and/or one draft including international talent: "What is often missed is this has been part of the negotiations for the last 13 years. The very first time the concept was brought up was 2002. There were challenges in '02, '06, '11 and there are likely to be in '16, but I assume it will continue to be part of the discussion. In theory, it sounds nice to have a single entry, but it may not be as simple as everyone thinks it is."

On the long run of labor peace in the sport: "(The current state of labor relations) are very respectful. It is a misnomer to suggest that labor peace is the goal. As long as we get fair and equitable deals done and that remains the priority, that is the goal."

On whether there's a chance for the DH to come to the National League: "I'll tell you this, every time we have sat down, the designated hitter conversation has been a part of the dialogue. Sometimes it is moving one way, sometimes another. I don't know that we have a formal position on it now. I would expect the issue will be raised again. But as I sit here today, I can't tell you yes, it's going happen or no, it's not. But nothing has been formally suggested at all."

The current five-year collective bargaining agreement that began in late 2011 will expire Dec. 1, 2016.

Clark said the MLBPA has had discussions about improving the domestic violence policy. He said the union will continue to educate players and provide information and support on the topic.

He said there have been no formal talks about changing the format of the All-Star Game, but the topic of the winner getting World Series home-field advantage may be discussed in the next negotiations.