Selig Authorized To Begin Contraction

Targeted Teams Not ID'd

Posted: 5:48 p.m. EST November 6, 2001 Updated: 6:10 p.m. EST November 6, 2001

ROSEMONT, Ill. --

Major League Baseball owners voted Tuesday to authorize commissioner Bud Selig to begin the process of contraction.

Selig confirmed that two franchises would likely be eliminated prior to the start of the 2002 season, but didn't identify the targeted teams or the number of teams being considered.

The contraction plans are subject to negotiations with the players association.

The most likely candidates for contraction discussed in recent weeks have been the Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins and Florida Marlins.

Selig said there was significant sentiment from some of the owners to fold four teams, and also indicated relocation of the troubled franchises wasn't an option because they weren't likely to generate enough revenue to be competitive.

In addition, owners will not lock out players or freeze signings.

No specific timetable or details were given regarding the actual steps and processes of contraction.

Baseball has undergone eight work stoppages since 1972, including a 232-day strike that wiped out the 1994 World Series.

Copyright 2001 by Channel2000.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

-- PHO (owennos@bigfoot.com), November 06, 2001