SPOTLIGHT ON SELIG: In Chicago, Phil Rogers discussed
with MLB Commissioner Bud Selig his new role which provides
him with "sweeping authority" in areas such as revenue-
sharing and fining teams. Selig: "Some people find power
intoxicating. I worry about being very judicious in its
use" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/23). In Denver, Mike Klis, on
Selig previously owning the Brewers: "[He] clearly has a
conflict-of-interest sentiment toward small-market clubs"
(DENVER POST, 1/23). In N.Y., Murray Chass wrote MLB owners
"changed the commissioner's powers to make Selig more
powerful than a locomotive" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/23). In Denver,
Mike Littwin wrote, "What the owners want is someone who
will serve the best interest of the owners -- and clean up
after the meetings, too. They picked Selig because he is a
nebbish" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 1/23).
UMPIRES UPDATE: USA TODAY's Bodley & Beaton report that
Major League Umpires Association President Jerry Crawford
said that he "might appeal" an NLRB decision to allow a
November 30 certification election "to stand." Crawford
said, "I have to talk to our attorneys first" (USA TODAY,
1/24). In N.Y., Chass also wrote that AL umpire John
Hirshbeck said the new union would be called the World
Umpires Association (N.Y. TIMES, 1/23).
