MLB realignment "is coming next season, but the form
the new leagues will take is still under debate," according
to Toni Ginnetti of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Ginnetti: "While
owners apparently have agreed on realignment in principle,
some still are resisting acting commissioner Bud Selig's
'16-14 Plan' that would shuffle teams geographically into
two new leagues" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/31). In Chicago,
Jerome Holtzman: "The indications are that as many as a
half-dozen clubs are in strong opposition, including the
Cubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers and both New York teams"
(CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/31). Possible MLB realignment was in
today's op-ed pages. Columnist George Will: "[S]ome of
baseball's owners are suffering a crisis of confidence in
their product. They are scrambling for gimmicks to entice
customers ... These owners are threatening to rip the fabric
of this most traditional sport by a stunning miscalculation"
(N.Y. POST, 7/31). USA TODAY's editorial debate also
focused on MLB realignment (USA TODAY, 7/31).
DREW STILL A PHIL: MLB's Exec Council ruled that the
Phillies acted properly in offering a contract to their '97
First-Year Draftee J.D. Drew. Drew's pro contract rights
will remain with the Phillies (MLB). Scott Boras, Drew's
agent, said he would continue to speak with the Phillies
regarding a contract, but that he "planned to file suit" to
challenge the decision (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/31).
