Selig Addresses BBWAA, Discusses All-Star Game, Economy And More

Selig Discusses Issues Facing MLB At All-Star Break

ATTENDANCE & ECONOMY: MLB remains on track to surpass 80 million in attendance for the year and set a fifth straight league record, but Selig acknowledged, "We have no margin for error. We need good races, good weather and some breaks. But we're very hopeful." On the economy, Selig said the league is weathering the downturn, at least for now. "The picture out there is very bleak. I've worried about this a lot. And I have a theory that people are taking fewer vacations. But so far, we're OK" (Fisher). More Selig: "I've often thought, and it's been true in other recessions since I've been in baseball, from the late '60s on, that we seem to do okay and not be affected as much" (TORONTO STAR, 7/16). Selig added of the economy, "I'm very skittish on that point. There's no question costs are escalating." But Selig's theory is that MLB is "somewhat bullet-proof to the economy, especially rising gas prices." While families "might call off long vacation trips," they will "still patronize their local ballparks" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 7/16).

Selig Remains Optimistic That Marlins Will Be Able To Build New Ballpark In Miami

RAYS BALLPARK: With the Rays working to get a new ballpark, Selig said, "They need a new stadium. You can't compete with other people who have ultimate sources of revenues that you don't have and never will have, and then expect to be competitive on the field. ... The one thing you can do is build a ballpark that produces competitive revenues. They're not in a ballpark right now that produces competitive revenues" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 7/16).

INSTANT REPLAY: Selig said a limited use of instant replay is under active consideration, and he confirmed earlier remarks from DuPuy that if it comes into use this season, it will be before the postseason. "There's a chance we'll see it (before the playoffs), but there's work still to be done" (Fisher). In Chicago, Phil Rogers reports a system "could be in place by Aug. 1, allowing a trial run before it would be used in the playoffs and World Series" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/16). Selig: "Once we are convinced that the bugs are out, it'll come quickly. So is there a chance, if we agree to do it, that it could be before the postseason? Yes, there's a chance. But no decision's been made." Replay may be limited to "just home-run calls and fair-vs.-foul calls" (N.Y. POST, 7/16).

BONDS: Selig again denied any move to dissuade or bar clubs from pursuing free agent LF Barry Bonds, who remains unemployed. Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, again lashed out at MLB and the clubs Monday for not making any attempt to Bonds. "Every club is free to do what they want to do," Selig said. "I'm not going to respond to the charges (from Bonds' camp), because they're without basis" (Fisher). However, in L.A., Bill Shaikin cites a source as saying the MLBPA "anticipates filing a grievance claiming owners improperly acted in concert to keep [Bonds] out of [MLB] this season." While no decision has been made, the source said that the union "is leaning toward filing a grievance" (L.A. TIMES, 7/16).

NEW SCANDALS BREWING? In Philadelphia, Paul Hagen writes with steroids "out of the headlines, the only dark cloud on the horizon is the brewing scandal over the possible skimming of signing bonuses in Latin American countries." However, Selig insisted that MLB "has the problem firmly in hand." Selig: "I don't want to comment on the investigation, but there's certainly no evidence that it's widespread" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/16). Selig added, "I'm very concerned. And we have our own investigative unit. They are hard at work. We don't treat anything lightly. It is being thoroughly investigated. I'm being kept abreast of it and we will follow it as it unfolds." Selig said that there is "support for a worldwide draft" in the wake of the allegations (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/16). Selig: "I've had a significant number of [GMs] say to me in the last couple months that they wish we had a worldwide draft" (TORONTO STAR, 7/16). Meanwhile, in response to allegations that fired Orioles scout Alan Marr was "implicated in a gambling investigation," Selig said, "I am very sensitive about any (gambling). We are conducting our own investigation. ... There certainly is no evidence it was widespread" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/16).

Recommendations And Findings On Bat Safety Issues Should Be Coming Before Playoffs

SO FRESH, SO CLEAN: In Detroit, Tom Gage notes for the "first time in the six years that [Selig] has had a question-and-answer session with the [BBWAA] on the day of the All-Star Game, steroids weren't mentioned. Or asked about" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/16). In Toronto, Richard Griffin notes "not a single question was asked about drug-testing, steroids, or performance-enhancing drugs" (TORONTO STAR, 7/16).

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