MLB's "realignment strategists have devised a new plan
that would move fewer teams, appease most of the [NL] teams
opposed to the current radical proposal and have a better
chance of acceptance," according to Murray Chass of the N.Y.
TIMES. An MLB owner told Chass last night that under the
new plan, four teams opposed to radical realignment -- the
Reds, Mets, Braves and Pirates -- would be grouped in one of
four NL divisions. Other radical realignment opponents
include the Cubs, Padres and Giants. The Cubs would move
into a Central division with the Royals, Brewers and
Cardinals, while the Giants and Padres "would each be placed
in one of two" NL divisions featuring all of MLB's eight
western franchises. Chass reports the AL alignment "was not
as settled" as the NL plan, but under the new format, ten
teams would change leagues instead of the 15 "that would
switch under the radical plan." Chass: "The combination of
reduced movement and N.L. opponents remaining in their
league could very likely gain the votes needed to adopt the
format." One MLB official said that the Mets and Braves
"would accept the revised N.L. plan" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/27).
CHICAGO NOPE: Acting Commissioner Bud Selig met with
Cubs President Andy MacPhail yesterday and MacPhail
discussed the team's "main objections" to radical
realignment, according to Paul Sullivan of the CHICAGO
TRIBUNE. MacPhail: "Bud tried to be open-minded, and so did
we." MacPhail suggested that MLB should slow down in "its
attempt to alter the game" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/27).
DON'T CHANGE THE GAME: Giants VP Larry Baer said that a
poll of the club's season-ticket holders suggests
"overwhelming objection to radical realignment." Baer: "We
sent out about 4,000 letters, and the early response is 6 to
1 against drastic realignment" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 8/26).
FAMILIAR REFRAIN: An editorial in the DALLAS MORNING
NEWS calls on MLB to name an independent commissioner: "Much
sooner than later, baseball desperately needs a commissioner
to take firm control of its operations. ... Baseball's
integrity depends on it" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/27).
