MLB At A Crossroads, Day 87: Contraction Still Possible

MLB is "prepared to wait as late as opening day before abandoning contraction plans" for '02, according to Hal Bodley of USA TODAY. MLB Exec VP/Operations Sandy Alderson said, "Once you start the season it would be a little tough, but realistically I'm not sure how much time is necessary" (USA TODAY, 1/31). Meanwhile, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) intends to hold a hearing before spring training on a bill that would repeal MLB's antitrust exemption "as it pertains to relocation and contraction." While the date is not yet official, it will likely be February 12. Pitchers and catchers report to camp February 15 (WASHINGTON POST, 1/31).

DC'S BID: USA TODAY's Bodley reports in a separate piece that in a meeting with the newspaper, Alderson and MLB consultant and incoming Red Sox President & CEO Larry Lucchino "toned down the excitement created" when MLB Commissioner Bud Selig called the Washington, DC, area a "prime candidate" for MLB relocation. Alderson: "The Virginia governor says whatever public money that was being counted on isn't there. The Washington mayor is under fire for his pledge of public money for a new stadium, and they're concerned about location." Alderson added, "It's silly for me to sit here and say the Orioles situation isn't a factor; it is a factor because it's only about 35 miles from Washington. However, I don't believe it's a controlling factor" (USA TODAY, 1/31).