More Top Picks Irlen Syndrome And Depth Perception Problems Explained
player ready...Acting Commissioner Bud Selig, in an 11th-hour attempt to resucitate his dying radical realignment plan, will be at Wrigley Field Tuesday afternoon. He will meet with Cubs executives who, from the beginning, have opposed shuffling the National and American Leagues into four regional divisions.
“I doubt he’s coming here to twist our arm,” said Cubs President Andy MacPhail. “From what I understand, it’s just a normal courtesy call.”
Other insiders insist Selig is making the trip to convince MacPhail and his colleagues that, as Selig has repeatedly said, “The time has come to take baseball into the 21st Century.”
But at least seven clubs, many more than necessary for rejection, are against the plan that would place the Cubs and White Sox in the same division.
Initially, this department was more or less in favor, but not anymore. Not since the discovery that the Yankees, for example, would play the White Sox at Comiskey Park only every third season. And even then, it would be for one three-game series.
At Comiskey Park the other night, I asked Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf how he could possibly approve a schedule that, in effect, would destroy the Yankee-White Sox tradition. Reinsdorf rubbed his chin in reflection and indicated he would have to re-think his position.
Whichever way Reinsdorf goes, his vote isn’t likely to make a difference. Seven NL clubs, already are against Selig’s proposal: the Cubs, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Mets, Pittsburgh, San Diego and San Francisco.
It seems curious that Peter O’Malley of the Los Angeles isn’t on the anti-realignment list. O’Malley and Selig, for many years, have been on opposite sides on just about every significant issue. But on Monday, O’Malley said their past differences are not of consequence.
“We’re waiting for all the clubs to get together (Sept. 16-18 in Atlanta) and discuss the issue,” he said. “Not just answers to our questions, but the entire range.”
O’Malley also indicated he may be in opposition. “It could be too much too soon,” he said.
In a telephone interview Monday, Selig acknowledged the opposition but said, “Only seven clubs are opposed; that means there are 23 in favor.”
Selig waffled when asked if any of his fellow AL owners were against.
“None,” he replied. Seconds later he amended this response with “Virtually none.”
He is probably aware Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is believed to be vacillating, not an unusual position for him.
Originally, Steinbrenner expressed approval. But according to sources, he has turned against the plan. Still, it’s possible that before it’s over, Steinbrenner will have rejoined the Selig team, mostly in acknowledgement of their longtime friendship.
The entire scenario is somewhat confusing: 13 teams, according to reports, are designated for transfer into new divisions or leagues, or both. A majority in each league is required for ratification but any team changing divisions or leagues can veto its move.
John Allen, the front-office boss of the Cincinnati Reds (he is filling in for the suspended Marge Schott), predicted Monday that the Selig plan will not fly and insisted it has very little to do with projected television revenues and attendance.
“The Reds have a long National League tradition,” he said. “We definitely aren’t interested in moving into the American League. From what I’m seeing in Cincinnati, the fans are not in favor of any major changes.”
Peter Magowan, owner of the San Francisco Giants, said the club’s polling, which is in progress, show that Giants’ fans are also against Selig’s proposal. “It has no chance,” Magowan said.
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