Selig Discusses Postseason; THG; Olympics At GM Meetings

MLB Contemplating Its Own Network

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig yesterday addressed the annual GM meetings being held this week at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. Selig, on his speech to the GMs: "I just sort of recapped the season, and all the changes we've made and we want to make for the future." After the speech, Selig discussed numerous topics. Selig, on expanding the postseason: "I don't know this time. Last time, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to happen. This time, you can pro-and-con it." Selig said of MLB players participating in the Olympics, "I know different sports have different timetables and that sort of thing, but it is not possible to stop the Major League season, nor would I do that."

DRUGS A TOPIC: Selig added the results of this year's drug testing should be in within the next few days. MLB.com's John Schlegel noted that if over 5% of the players test positive for illegal substances, then "every player will be subject to announced testing for the next three years." Otherwise, the "same setup as this year will be in effect — all 1,200 players subject to a test, with 240 randomly selected for a second test." MLB Exec VP/Labor Relations Rob Manfred "confirmed that THG is officially banned in baseball" (MLB.com, 11/10).

MORE FROM ARIZONA: In N.Y., Sam Borden reports that in his speech to GMs, Selig also mentioned that while MLB is "happy with its current broadcast agreement, it is also looking into the possibility of its own network;" that he is "waiting for the paperwork to be filed" on the sale of the Dodgers to Frank McCourt; that there is "nothing new on Pete Rose's potential reinstatement;" that Manfred is "close to finishing a deal that would determine the fate" of the Expos' '04 schedule; and that MLB "hopes to open the 2004 season in Japan" after games were canceled this season (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/11). In Seattle, Bob Finnigan reports it is not likely the Mariners will be one of the teams playing in Japan next season. MLB has been working with the Yomiuri Corp., and "word is that the Japanese would like" the Yankees and former Yomiuri star Hideki Matsui. The Mariners are "thought to have notified MLB that if the Yankees are one of the teams involved, they would prefer not to participate" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/11). For more on the Dodgers sale to McCourt, see Franchises.