MLB commissioner Bud Selig addresses reported rift with Reinsdorf
MLB commissioner Bud Selig issued a statement Friday addressing reports that he and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf are at odds over the process to pick Selig's successor.
"Since discussions began in January about formulating an orderly process for selecting the next Commissioner, I have stated both privately and publicly that my desire was to conduct a thorough, thoughtful and discreet search that includes the input of all 30 Major League Clubs. The seven-member Succession Committee, which was named on May 15th and has been chaired with distinction by Bill DeWitt, has accomplished this goal while working independently to get to the point we are today. While Bill has kept me well-informed, the results of this process are a reflection of the Committee's work alone, and I have not promoted individual candidates.
"As we approach next week's vote, I will continue to encourage Clubs to voice their opinions within the confines of this process. Reports of personal animosity between Jerry Reinsdorf and me -- or any other alleged disputes between owners regarding the process or the candidates -- are unfounded and unproductive. I respect the ownership of our 30 franchises and have complete faith that the process will produce an individual that all in Baseball will be eager to support."
More: Red Sox' Werner is new surprise contender in MLB commissioner race
Reinsdorf is part of a seven-member committee formed in May to nominate candidates to ascend to the commissionership.
The 30 team owners are scheduled to vote next Thursday on three reported finalists: MLB’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred, MLB’s Executive Vice President of Business Tim Brosnan, and Red Sox chairman Tom Werner.
While Manfred is believed to be Selig's preferred successor—and the favorite to land the position—Reinsdorf, who shares a close relationship with Selig, is reportedly supporting one or both of the other two candidates.
Selig is retiring in January 2015.
