MCMORRIS SAYS COMMISSIONER SEARCH NEARING THE FINAL TURN

          Acting MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said yesterday that
     "achieving Phase I of realignment doesn't mean he plans to
     step down" from his post, according to Tom Haudricourt of
     the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL.  Selig made the formal
     announcement that the Brewers will shift from the AL to the
     NL for the '98 season, but said that the "latest development
     would not prompt him to step aside any earlier than
     originally planned."  Selig: "This doesn't change any of
     that.  There is a commissioner search committee.  [Rockies
     Chair] Jerry McMorris is the chairman.  He and I have been
     spending a lot of time on it" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL,
     11/7).  McMorris told USA TODAY's Hal Bodley that he hopes
     to have a commissioner recommendation for the Exec Council
     by the end of this month.  McMorris said a list of 12
     candidates a month ago is down to 5, including NL President
     Len Coleman and Selig (USA TODAY, 11/7).