One Out of Three Ain’t Bad
November 19, 2009 at 10:54 am | In Bud Selig | 8 CommentsHey, 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?
8 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment
Random Google Search That Brought People to MSTI:
MSTI on the web
MSTI Library
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
“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?”
–I know how you feel. Sometimes I think MLB is run by people who hate baseball.
Comment by Michael — November 19, 2009 #
“The Dodgers badly need an ace and are focusing on Blue Jay ace Roy Halladay. The Dodgers would have to give up Billingsley and others.”
http://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/5863343644
I wonder who the others might be?
Comment by John Clevenger — November 19, 2009 #
Selig has a lot in common with recent CEOs of General Motors – their jobs are primarily to appease a bunch of difficult personalities (assholes in many cases) and organizations that have permanent seats at the table. It is decidedly NOT to form fair, unbiased, intelligent opinions on what will deliver the best product to the consumer, and then use logic, persuasion or force to get his constituents on board. History has demonstrated time and again that his type of “leadership” will create organizations that meander and are vulnerable.
I am all for free market economies, but I am shocked that Bud Selig is paid $18 million per year for basically kissing ass at the altar of baseball ownership. You can argue that baseball makes more money than it ever has, but examine the underlying reasons and tell me where Selig should get credit for any significant part of that.
Whatever…the owners can spend their money as they wish – as a fan, though, it gives me serious concerns about the product we continue to be offered vs. what it could be with aligned, energetic leadership.
Comment by Luke — November 19, 2009 #
Bud Selig is a terrible commissioner. By all measures.
Comment by Shmolnick — November 19, 2009 #
None of this is- or should be- surprising at all. Selig is an atrocity (which is probably why he’s lasted so long- sort of the Michael Scott principle that the more incompetent you are, the longer you stay in power). I couldn’t believe some Dodger fans were hoping for Selig to act, regarding the McCourt divorce and how it may effect the Dodgers. The whole saga is just starting, the Dodgers are, in spite of all of our fears, still one of the best teams out there, and they expect him to be PROactive?! He’s not even REactive- (see Pirates, Pittsburgh. Or for a more applicable and recent example of what we MAY see with the Dodgers- Padres, San Diego) In fact, I would half-expect to Selig to BLOCK a sale sometime down the road for some reason that would probably infuriate all of us.
On a brighter note, nice to know that the Dodgers are staying in Los Angeles. Shows you just how on top of the situation he is.
Comment by Scott — November 19, 2009 #
Everyone needs to tone it down regarding the McCourt divorce. The Dodgers are not the Padres. The Dodgers lead the NL in attendance every year and maintain a healthy payroll.
Also, let’s keep in mind that nothing has changed. Frank McC is in charge, Colletti is the GM, Torre is the manager (whether this is good or bad is up for opinion). The Dodgers have won the NL West 2 straight years and will likely be the favorite going into this year.
Also, the following players will be in the roster opening day:
Kemp
Either
Manny
Kershaw
Billingsley
Broxton
Oh, and…
Furcal
Kuroda
Blake
Loney
Martin…etc
Now can everyone calm down.
Comment by Mr Falcon — November 19, 2009 #
Well, we HOPE those guys are here…
Comment by mike scioscia's tragic illness — November 19, 2009 #
True that, Mike. I am expecting a payroll in the $85-$90 million range which tells me that one of the kids (if not more) will be wearing a different uniform come April 2010.
Geez, Bud Lite makes me pine for the Ghost of Bowie Kuhn and his ineffective leadership.
Comment by grabarkewitz — November 20, 2009 #