MLB Commissioner Bud Selig's recent comments about the
Expos' future prospects (See THE DAILY, 7/13) "have to be
considered encouraging" to those wishing to keep the team in
Canada, according to Stephanie Myles of the Montreal
GAZETTE. Selig said more time would be given to resolve the
team's ownership and ballpark situation. Minority Owner
Mark Routtenberg, on Selig's comments: "It doesn't surprise
me. That kind of confirms what I've been saying.
Obviously, it's a positive statement, even though he didn't
say very much" (Montreal GAZETTE, 7/14). Also in Montreal,
Jack Todd writes that Selig, "in the subtlest possible way,
let the world know" that the Jacques Menard group "now has
the backing of the commissioner's office." Todd: "Rather
than backing his own friend Claude Brochu in his attempt to
sell the club and move it to the U.S., it would appear that
Selig is now backing Menard and the 'continuing partners,'
the group of investors who are attempting to build Labatt
Park. ... It would appear from what Selig said Monday that
the official backing will be forthcoming, probably within
the next two weeks." Todd concludes: "If Selig has been
patient this long, it's because he knows the Menard group is
solid, the deal can be done" (Montreal GAZETTE, 7/14).
VA STILL LURKING: VA Gov. James Gilmore attended the
All-Star Game and said he would lobby MLB officials for a
team: "This region deserves a team." Also, the VA Baseball
Authority sent a "massive study touting the region's
economic strengths" to MLB owners (WASHINGTON POST, 7/14).
REALIGNMENT NEXT? USA TODAY's Hal Bodley writes that
MLB realignment is "back on baseball's front burner. How
hot it gets depends on the [Expos]." Red Sox CEO/
Realignment Committee Chair John Harrington: "The Montreal
thing is about to come to a head. ... I think they're closer
to moving. Whether they're in Charlotte or northern
Virginia would dictate a lot of things" (USA TODAY, 7/14).
