Major League Baseball is prepared to wait as late as Opening Day before abandoning contraction plans for 2002, Sandy Alderson said.
Eliminating two teams can be done quickly, said Alderson, the executive vice president for baseball operations.
“Once you start the season it would be a little tough, but realistically I’m not sure how much time is necessary,” he said.
Alderson and ownership representative Larry Lucchino reiterated during a session with USA Today the elimination of teams is inevitable. The plan, however, approved by owners Nov. 6, has been stalled by legal roadblocks.
Although contraction appears unlikely for 2002, Commissioner Bud Selig has refused to scrap the plan.
“If it can’t happen in 2002, the commissioner is firmly on record in his commitment for 2003,” Alderson said. “I do believe it can still be accomplished in 2002.”
Lucchino, who’ll become president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox next month, said contraction, relocation “and eventually a salary cap will take place.”
Newark pipeline: Former Cubs and White Sox pitcher Jaime Navarro, who had an 11-9 record with the Newark Bears last season, signed a minor-league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals and was added to the team’s Triple-A roster. Slugger Jose Canseco went from the Bears to the White Sox last season.
Another Newark player, slugger Pete Incaviglia, signed a minor-league deal with San Diego. Incaviglia, 37, hasn’t played in the majors since 1998.
Kalas honored: Harry Kalas, radio and TV voice of the Philadelphia Phillies since 1971, was voted the Ford C. Frick Award and will be inducted into the broadcasters wing of the Hall of Fame on July 28.
