Bud Selig Addresses MLB Owners As Quarterly Meetings Wind Down

Selig Says MLB's Drug  Program Still Working

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig Thursday said the sport's drug program is still working and acting as an effective deterrent, despite a rash of drug-related suspensions in the last several weeks among minor league players. League execs said the supposed spike in positive tests and suspensions owes in part to new reporting statutes in the Dominican summer league. "I have no doubt the program is working as it should and there is a deterrent," Selig said.

ATTENDANCE: Selig said it will be a "very close call" whether the league passes last year's aggregate attendance mark of 79.5 million, sets a new record for a fifth straight year and reaches 80 million as he intends to do. Selig: "I'm nervous. I'm looking at the numbers every day as you know, but I remain confident, too, that we will manage to do it. But it'll definitely be a very close call."

INSTANT REPLAY: As for instant replay, Selig remained staunch in his refusal to place a firm timetable on the start of a new system to review home run and boundary calls. It is expected, however, that the system could be in place as soon as later this month. Currently outstanding is the finalization of agreements with the MLBPA and World Umpires Association, and the installation of needed technical equipment in all 30 MLB ballparks. "I want to make sure it's perfect. I'm not certain exactly when this is going to happen. But I should have an answer very shortly. ... Let's just say my confidence is growing," Selig said.

Giants Name Magowan  President Emeritus In Transfer

OTHER ISSUES: Asked about NBA Commissioner David Stern's recent endorsement of Mark Cuban's bid to buy the Cubs, Selig said, "Commissioners are free to do whatever they want." But Selig said he had spoken to Stern recently, with the subject of Cuban believed to have been part of the discussion. Selig also said the additional safeguards may be implemented for the All-Star Game to ensure clubs have enough available players. This year's club narrowly averted a repeat of the '02 tie game in Milwaukee.

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