Selig Optimistic About MLB Attendance Economics, Labor Issues

The MLB quarterly owners' meetings concluded today in Paradise Valley, Ariz., with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig offering a highly upbeat prediction for the game's attendance economics in '11 after several years of economic uncertainty. He said, "I feel good about this season. I'm definitely optimistic. Ticket sales are trending very well, and as you know, the last six years have been the best six years we've ever had. This will fall right into that (trend), and maybe move up a bit."

Selig was similarly hopeful with regard to labor negotiations, set to begin later this year. The current five-year labor accord with the MLBPA expires after the '11 season. Selig acknowledged he was more optimistic entering the final year of a labor deal than he ever has been. "There is a constructive relationship with the players," he said. "One thing that is really so shockingly different now is that in the '70s, '80s, '90s, even back in the late '60s, there was all this anger expressed. … You don't see that now. We're on a very constructive path."

GMs participated in the labor meetings again, as they have for the past year, and in part because of that involvement, Selig said management is now "very well prepared" for the upcoming talks.

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