Expanded MLB playoffs gaining steam at meetings

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.

Little opposition has emerged to Major League Baseball expanding its playoffs for 2012 as the sport’s top officials discussed the concept during two days of meetings.

While commissioner Bud Selig has yet to formally propose adding two more wild-card teams, he said during the World Series that he was giving the plan serious consideration.

General managers and owners were waiting to hear whether Selig would directly address them on the matter today, when three days of meetings conclude.

“I don’t see any minuses,” Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said Wednesday. “More excitement at the end of the season. It prolongs the season a little bit, but that’s not a negative for me.”

While Selig hasn’t ruled out proposing the change for 2011, nearly all baseball officials say the extra round of playoffs would likely start in 2012. If Selig decides to go ahead, owners would have to endorse the plan, baseball’s television partners would have to receive it positively and the players’ association would have to agree. Union head Michael Weiner says players are open to the idea.

“I think the more teams you have in it, the month of September will obviously be more meaningful,” said Toronto Blue Jays president Paul Beeston

Agents for free-agent players also were on hand striking deals. The Marlins finalized an $18 million, three-year contract with catcher John Buck, and the Tigers reached a preliminary agreement on a $16.5 million, three-year contract with Joaquin Benoit, a deal that could raise prices for setup relievers.

In the second trade of the meetings, outfielder Rajai Davis was acquired by the Blue Jays from the Athletics for two minor-league pitchers.