Major League Baseball lockout appears imminent after negotiations end abruptly

IRVING, Texas -- A lockout of Major League Baseball players appeared imminent after discussions between the league and union cut off negotiations early Wednesday afternoon, less than 12 hours before the expiration of the game's collective-bargaining agreement.

In what's likely to be the last talks between the parties before the league's expected lockout of players Thursday, leaders for both sides met for seven minutes at the Four Seasons Dallas at Las Colinas. When the meeting adjourned, officials from the league left the hotel and players were told talks were done for the day.

It was an ignominious end to three days of bargaining that produced no progress after months of talks had done the…