Blue Jays President Paul Beeston would not confirm
reports that he has been approached about becoming MLB COO,
according to Ganter & Zeisberger of the TORONTO SUN.
Beeston: "All I can say on the subject is that my only goal
right now is to run this team and help us win this year." A
"high-ranking" MLB official confirmed to the SUN that
Beeston has been approached but that he is "not prepared to
make any decision until the issue of the Blue Jays' possible
sale is resolved" (TORONTO SUN, 4/11).
AROUND THE HORN: The MLBPA and "other" baseball
officials "are attempting to arrange a meeting" between
Roberto Alomar and umpire John Hirschbeck in 12 days in
Baltimore, but "have not been able to schedule such a
session," according to Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST.
One source said that both Alomar and Hirschbeck are
"skittish" about "making some sort of joint, symbolic
gesture." The same source said Hirschbeck "is facing
pressure from the Umpires Association not to participate"
(WASHINGTON POST, 4/11)....USA TODAY research shows that the
players' share of total MLB revenue dropped from 62.4% in
'96 to a projected 59.0% in '97. Of total projected revenue
of $2.041B, the players will receive $1.204B. Management
officials say the figures show that measures in the new CBA
"aimed at slowing salary growth are working" (USA TODAY,
4/11)....Former MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, on his
most satisfying achievements in his career: "I liked the
condition I left baseball in, it's not doing too well now"
("Moneyline," CNN, 4/10).
