When the commissioner of the game calls what’s transpiring “a disaster,” you know things are dire.

But that’s the word Major League Baseball head Rob Manfred used to describe the state of the game earlier this week.

Disaster.

He couldn’t be more correct. It’s about the only thing he has been right about during this saga.

Both sides are now realizing how desperate things have become and are trying to salvage at least somewhat of a season.

It seems like there may be an agreement hashed out soon.

Maybe. You never know with these guys.

The owners proposed a 60-game season with full pro-rated pay Wednesday. The plan also includes expanding the playoffs from 10 to 16 teams and imposing a universal designated hitter.

The players countered Thursday with a 70-game season with full pro-rated pay — and a list of other demands, including some strange ones.

Advertising patches on uniforms? Really?

Up to this point, the two sides have engaged in a perfect storm of dysfunction since March.

The owners have continually botched things since Spring Training was torpedoed by COVID-19.

First they negotiated a pro-rated salary for players, then went back on that agreement when they realized games would likely be played in empty stadiums.

That angered the players and set the stage for the acrimony that has followed.

Who looks the worst in all of this? Manfred.

He’s managed to make people long for the leadership of Bud Selig.

That’s how bad it is.

Manfred allowed this to go on far too long. He should have stepped in weeks ago. Put his foot down. Made the two sides compromise.

Instead he sat back and let the owners and players shred each other.

Manfred may still yet have to go nuclear and impose a 48-game season.

The owners don’t want that.

The players don’t want that, either.

In fact, if it comes down to a unilaterally mandated season, Manfred may not be able to pull that off anyway.

Eight owners could block it and the scuttlebutt is there may be eight owners who will, eight owners who would rather not see one pitch thrown this season.

So, the only hope may hinge with the ability of the owners and the players to compromise.

At least they are getting close.

At least there is hope for baseball this season.

Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.