MLB owners approved its Phase One of realignment which
will move three teams -- the Devil Rays from the AL West to
the AL East; the Tigers from the AL East to the AL Central
and an undetermined AL team to the NL. The team's identity
will be announced following the World Series. The new
format creates a 16-team NL and a 14-team AL (MLB). In
Milwaukee, Tom Haudricourt reports that plans call for
either the Royals or Brewers to change leagues for the '98
season. The Royals "have the first option to change
leagues. If they decline, the Brewers are ready and willing
to make the move." Brewers VP Wendy Selig-Prieb: "We
believe it is in the best interest of the game, and
therefore in the best interest of our club" (MILWAUKEE
JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/16). In K.C., Dick Kaegel writes the
Royals "are not likely" to move to the NL as there "are
strong indications that the team will stay" in the AL. Team
CEO David Glass: "I think that's what our fans are telling
us" (K.C. STAR, 10/16). In N.Y., Murray Chass notes the
vote was unanimous, with Giants Managing General Partner
Peter Magowan, who is opposed to realignment, abstaining.
Chass reports that MLB Acting Commissioner Bud Selig "likes
the idea of going to the N.L., but he is concerned about the
appearance of a conflict of interest" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/16).
Selig: "[T]here will be more realignment. There's just no
question about it, we need to" ("CNN/SI," 10/15).
