Network sources are "crooning -- big time -- about,
what they call a growing rift" between MLB Commissioner Bud
Selig and MLB COO Paul Beeston, according to Bob Raissman of
the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. With Fox and NBC entering the final
year of their MLB deals, the "networks want to be clear on
who, on MLB's side, has the negotiating power." Raissman:
"Moles say it appears Selig is isolating Beeston. [Selig]
is not only the man the network suits deal with, but he's
also the guy who brought MLB out of the Stone Age when it
comes to dealing with its TV partners." While some network
execs "perceive Selig as nothing more than a puppet for the
owners," Beeston "is seen as a more creative negotiator who
understands the importance of a true partnership between MLB
and the networks" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/13).
THE BUDDY SYSTEM: In Houston, Carlton Thompson wrote,
"Despite what some might have originally thought," Selig has
been good for baseball, and he "came along at a time when
the game needed someone with his strong leadership most."
Under Selig, MLB "has made steps to move toward parity and
the groundwork is in place to bridge the huge gap between
the haves and the have-nots" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/12).
