Around this time next year, Major League Baseball’s labor battle will be in full swing, likely just a few days away from a work stoppage beginning.

One of the biggest sticking points between the league and union will be the possibility of a salary cap in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Most players and agents almost certainly will argue vehemently against it while smaller-market owners will almost certainly be in favor of it — and maybe more than just them, considering Hal Steinbrenner’s stance.

Steinbrenner, the owner of a team that consistently is among the highest spenders in the sport, reiterated this week that he would consider supporting a cap as long as it comes with a “reasonable” salary floor.

But … why? Would instituting a cap eliminate one of the Yankees’ greatest strengths in their ability to outspend other clubs?