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Bud Selig approves Blue Jays-Marlins deal
Jose Reyes can finally throw away the receipt for the Toronto Blue Jays gear he sported on Instagram over the weekend.
That's because Bud Selig has finally approved the 12-player megatrade between the Jays and Miami Marlins after completing a review of the controversial swap that transformed the two franchises.
Here's Selig's statement on the deal:
"Since Tuesday, I have carefully reviewed the proposed transaction between the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays. I asked our Baseball Operations Department and our Labor Relations Department to compare this proposed transaction with similar deals. I also consulted with experienced baseball operations executives to get their input regarding the talent involved in this transaction.
"After a thorough examination of this information, it is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established Major Leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both Clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion. It is, of course, up to the Clubs involved to make the case to their respective fans that this transaction makes sense and enhances the competitive position of each, now or in the future.
"I am sensitive to the concerns of the fans of Miami regarding this trade, and I understand the reactions I have heard since Tuesday. Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities and I fully understand that the Miami community has done its part to put the Marlins into a position to succeed with beautiful new Marlins Park. Going forward, I will continue to monitor this situation with the expectation that the Marlins will take into account the sentiments of their fans, who deserve the best efforts and considered judgment of their Club. I have received assurances from the ownership of the Marlins that they share these beliefs and are fully committed to build a long-term winning team that their fans can be proud of."
There was probably no real chance that Selig was going to overturn the trade because the future value of prospects automatically defers evaluation of a trade to a point in time when it'll be too late to do something. Selig would have also angered a revived Blue Jays fan base had he canceled the trade in the "best interests of the game" and there wasn't much sense in doing that — even if he did feel the trade was unfair.
It's comical, however, to read that last tongue-clucking part about the Marlins and receiving "assurances." Jeffrey Loria and David Samson have completely destroyed the baseball market in South Florida — and maybe Tampa Bay, too — so Selig's weak words come off as perfect example of the horse having long left the barn.
Are you ready for hot stove season?
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