Bud Selig aware of 'anger' over trade, will review it

Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

CHICAGO - Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, who empathizes with the Miami Marlins fans, said Thursday that he will thoroughly review the controversial trade between the Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays before permitting the deal to be finalized.

"I am aware of the anger,'' Selig said. "I am. I'm also aware that in Toronto they're very happy.

"We have this entire matter under thorough review.''

Selig said there is no timetable to make his decision, and plans to examine all facets of the 12-player deal before deciding whether to approve the deal or exercising his "best interests of the game'' rights to veto it.

"My job is to do what's in the best interest of baseball,'' Selig said. "People have different views of that, on what you should do, and how you should do it. I've spent a lot of time on this.

"I know what the commissioner can do, can't do, what his legal responsibilities are, and other things. I understand all of that. I understand the feeling. In the end, I'll do what I've done in other past situations.

"People ask me, 'don't you wish it never happened?' There are a lot of situations that I wish didn't happen. I have to do what I have do to.''

It's highly unlikely that Selig will overturn the trade, according to two baseball executives with knowledge of Selig's thinking, believing it might set a dangerous precedent. The executives spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the matter is ongoing.

"There are a lot of variables,'' Selig said.