Selig Still Plans to Step Aside

A group of five MLB owners during meetings in Chicago earlier this month approached Commissioner Bud Selig "about remaining on the job beyond the end of his contract, which expires after the 2012 season," according to sources cited by Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune.

It was the "same kind of approach that had been used to convince him to stay in charge at least two other times."

But sources said that Selig "told the owners he will step aside after 2012 -- not because he is tiring but because he has other things to do while he's able."

Selig last Wednesday "declined to discuss his conversations with ownership but confirmed he plans to stay on the job three more years," which means the "next labor agreement, due to be negotiated in 2011, would be his final official act."

Selig said that he is "trying to create time to write a book and possibly even teach some history."

Rogers wrote MLB President & COO Bob DuPuy or Exec VP/Labor Relations Rob Manfred "might be the best choice" to replace Selig "if the goal of owners is to continue in the same direction." Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail "would be a popular choice among owners" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/29).

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