ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Commissioner Bud Selig walked into a conference room at a hotel near O'Hare Airport on Tuesday afternoon to answer questions from reporters about contracting two franchises before the 2002 season.

But Selig wasn't talking to reporters, really. He was talking directly to the Players Association.

This was his message: Watch out.

As owners gave "overwhelming" support to Selig to identify and negotiate with two franchises for the purpose of eliminating them, they also gave Selig a powerful tool in upcoming negotiations with the Players Association.

No longer are the owners bitterly divided on the labor front. No longer do they come to the negotiating table emptyhanded. This time, they come carrying 50 jobs -- and the promise of more to come.

Almost as an afterthought, Selig casually mentioned Tuesday that not only was Major League Baseball moving forward to contract two teams, but a "significant" number of owners actually favored eliminating four teams.

Translation: You don't think we're serious about eliminating 50 jobs? How does 100 sound?

How successful this strategy is remains to be seen. The Players Association didn't build itself into the most formidable labor union in the country by underestimating its adversaries or being caught off-guard. Indeed, within minutes of Selig's announcement, Donald Fehr, executive director of the Players Association, had a pointed reponse ready.

But Tuesday's move got the union's attention in a hurry, and for good reason. Not only are 50 jobs at stake, but also the market value of the 164 potential free agents who began filing to exercise their rights Monday.

Before Tuesday, Chan Ho Park was, arguably, the best pitcher available on the market. But by the time Park and others can begin signing with teams other than their own, teams may also be able to choose from among Brad Radke, Eric Milton, Joe Mays, Javier Vazquez and Tony Armas Jr. in a dispersal draft.

Teams on the market for a shortstop were limited to the likes of Ricky Gutierrez and Rey Sanchez. But in a few weeks, that list could include Cristian Guzman and Orlando Cabrera.

Meanwhile, Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, who may well hit the free agent market as MVPs from their respective leagues, could have their appeal diluted if clubs think they can come up with Vladimir Guerrero if the Expos are disbanded.

More star players flooding the marketplace in an uncertain economic climate, re-made by the tragedies of Sept. 11, is the last thing the Players Association wants. Remember, former union leader Marvin Miller's worst nightmare was that owners would follow Charlie Finley's advice and allow every player to become a free agent every year. Supply and demand, indeed.

Of course, players aren't the only ones who will suffer fallout from the uncertainty that will exist until contraction becomes a reality. Some teams will have enormous difficulty selling advertising, setting up promotions and selling tickets.

After all, for now, no one is quite sure who will be playing where next season -- if at all. Does Minnesota general manager Terry Ryan hire a manager to replace Tom Kelly if the Twins aren't going to exist? Do the Expos select a permanent GM to replace Jim Beattie -- or just wait to quietly expire as a franchise?

Selig denied that Tuesday's announcement -- coming as it did hours before the current CBA expires -- was meant to send a message to the union.

"It is not a negotiating ploy," insisted Selig, almost indignant. "Absolutely not."

As if to prove his point, Selig said there were "no current plans" to impose a lockout of the players or implement a signing freeze, evidence of the commissioner's good faith.

But there was no need to take such drastic, obvious measures when a more subtle one was available. Think of contraction as the first warning shot fired in baseball's newest labor war.

Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.