MLB's GM meetings ended yesterday in FL with
Commissioner Bud Selig "imploring team executives to be
mindful of the growing problem of competitive imbalance when
the free-agent signing period opens this weekend," according
to Ken Daley of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Selig: "Obviously,
every time the disparity gets exacerbated, I get concerned.
... The only thing that can impede this great renaissance
going on in baseball would be our inability to solve the
disparity problem" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/10). Selig
commented that the payroll disparity has the Yankees with a
payroll for luxury tax tracking of $108,684,786 and the
Twins $17,848,136. Selig: "One can make believe it doesn't
exist, but the disparity problem is there. We have a great
opportunity here because the game is so popular." Selig has
been working on the disparity issue, saying, "I have lots of
ideas. Today, I don't have anything definitive to tell you.
But I will in the very near future, and I underscore the
very near future" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/10). More Selig: "I have
every confidence as we move ahead ... that I am going to be
able to get the clubs to do what I think is in the best
interest of baseball" ("NSR," FSN, 11/9). FoxSports.com's
Dave Van Dyck reported that Selig "wants something done
before the most recent strike date next fall, which surely
is wishful thinking on his part." Van Dyck: "News from
these GM meetings was not good, not when the rich keep
getting richer." Selig: "(What is happening) is in no one's
best interests" (FoxSports.com, 11/9). BLOOMBERG NEWS'
Jerry Crasnick reports from FL that MLB GMs agree that "any
attempt to resolve baseball's economic problems must stop
short of a shutdown." Reds GM Jim Bowden: "I don't think
the game can sustain a work stoppage" (BLOOMBERG, 11/10).
ISLAND NOTES: In Toronto, Bob Elliott reports that
Selig "did not express any doubts" that Rogers
Communications' bid for the Blue Jays would gain MLB
approval (TORONTO SUN, 11/10)....Royals Owner David Glass,
on agent Scott Boras' 60-page book on why his client, Alex
Rodriguez, deserves the most lucrative contract in MLB
history: "I hear you can buy the book now. But you have to
agree to sign a five-year contract with an escalating salary
each year you have the book" (K.C. STAR, 11/10).
