Hey, our valiant commissioner Bud Selig is batting .333 this week! That’s All-Star level. Well, “tie in an All-Star game” level. And since he’s completely punchless, I’m sure that his line would somehow come out to .333/.333/.000, which isn’t even possible. But still! .333!
Fail: “Bud Selig still isn’t worried about the Dodgers”
Commissioner Bud Selig said the Dodgers were “in good hands” for now but refused to offer assurances to fans worried that the McCourt divorce saga could compromise the future of the club.
He’s not worried? He sure as hell should be. I know he’s restrained somewhat by what he can say publicly, but still.
But Selig sidestepped the question of what he would say to fans concerned that the Dodgers’ long-term future could echo the San Diego Padres’ recent history — an ownership divorce, followed by a sale, management turnover, payroll cuts and the cost-driven departure of popular players.
“There’s no reason to get into any debate about what’s going to happen,” Selig said. “The Dodgers will be in Los Angeles for as long as we’re alive and for many generations to come.”
If Bud Selig had been commissioner in 1956, I bet he’d have been saying the same thing to Brooklyn fans, wouldn’t he?
Thanks for helping to assuage our fears, Bud.
Fail: “Baseball hits pause on replay”
Baseball general managers meeting here failed to take a vote yesterday on expanding instant replay following a postseason filled with blown calls by umpires.
It doesn’t specifically say it here, but it’s well known that the reason they didn’t even vote is because Selig is opposed to it. What’s Selig got to say about it?
Commissioner Bud Selig opposes widening the use of video review.
“I know there are some who have talked off line about the expansion of instant replay,” Solomon said. “Right now, the commissioner doesn’t see any reason to consider it.”
No reason? No reason? Do I even need to link you to the dozens of stories about the multitude of blown calls this offseason? Say you’re not in favor of it, and that’s one thing. It’s the wrong opinion, but at least it’s an opinion. But to say that you don’t even see a reason to consider it? Pay attention, old man.
Hit… ish: “Selig: Baseball will tighten playoff schedule”
Baseball plans to cut down on off days during the postseason next year.
Commissioner Bud Selig said Wednesday he’s working on tightening up the 2010 playoff schedule so there will be fewer gaps between games.
Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia criticized the current format after the Yankees and Angels played only eight times in 20 days going into Game 6 of the AL championship series.
“We’re going to change it,” Selig said. “I don’t disagree with Mike Scioscia. I think he was right, so we’re going to try and tighten that up.”
That’s progress, though it’s such an obvious fix it’s hard to give him a whole lot of credit. Besides, as Rob Neyer says, let’s not get too excited just yet…
Well, you can consider me guardedly optimistic. You can’t change anything without commissioner Bud’s enthusiastic approval, so this would seem to be a lovely first step. But I will note for the record that: a) Selig has promised to do things before that didn’t get done; and 2) don’t the TV networks call the shots on this one?
At least one of the current TV contracts runs through 2013. Is Selig saying he’ll change it five years from now, when he’s 80? Or is he saying that he’ll slap Fox and TBS, and they’ll take it and like it? Stay tuned …
Completely accurate on all points. How is it that the sport I love, the team I support, and the major newspaper that covers them all have such out-of-touch people as their leaders and/or public faces?
