Bug Selig issues statement on selection of new commissioner

MLB commissioner Bud Selig issued a statement backing the seven-member succession committee to select a candidate for new commissioner.

"As we approach next week's vote," Selig said in yesterday's statement, "I will continue to encourage clubs to voice their opinions within the confines of this process. Reports of personal animosity between [White Sox owner] Jerry Reinsdorf and me -- or any other alleged disputes between owners regarding the process or the candidates -- are unfounded and unproductive . . . "

According to several reports, Selig supports MLB COO Rob Manfred and Reinsdorf supports Tom Werner of the Boston Red Sox. The owners need 23 of 30 votes to select a new commissioner.

Orioles 12, Cardinals 2: J.J. Hardy hit two of host Baltimore's six home runs as the Orioles (66-49) moved a season-high 17 games over .500.

Tigers 5, Blue Jays 4: Nick Castellanos tied it with a two-run homer in the ninth and Eugenio Suarez followed with a go-ahead shot for visiting Detroit.

Royals 4, Giants 2: Billy Butler homered and drove in three runs for host Kansas City.

Mariners 4, White Sox 1: Mike Zunino hit a three-run homer for host Seattle.

A's 6, Twins 5: Scott Kazmir (13-4) threw only eight balls among his first 42 pitches and faced the minimum through six innings for host Oakland. Coco Crisp hit a bases-loaded triple.

Red Sox 4, Angels 2: Mike Napoli homered and Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run double for visiting Boston.

Braves 7, Nationals 6: Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, Freddie Freeman and Tommy La Stella homered off Stephen Strasburg as host Atlanta went up 7-0 and ended its losing streak at eight.

Pirates 2, Padres 1: Gregory Polanco and Josh Harrison each had three hits for Pittsburgh.

Marlins 2, Reds 1: Giancarlo Stanton hit his NL-leading 28th homer for visiting Miami.Rays 4, Cubs 3:Kevin Kiermaier had an RBI single in the 10th for visiting Tampa Bay.Brewers 9, Dodgers 3:Rickie Weeks hit a three-run homer for host Milwaukee.-- AP