Selig Open to MLB-Japan Championship Series

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has told his Japanese counterpart that he is open to games between the World Series and Japan Series champions, but no steps have been taken for such a matchup.

Selig met this week with Japanese commissioner Ryozo Kato in Milwaukee.

Officials of Major League Baseball and the players’ association said Thursday there had been no discussion of such a plan. An agreement between management and the union would be necessary.

“I was surprised, Mr. Selig said he wants to realize the plan before his tenure ends,” Kato was quoted as saying by Nikkansports.

Selig is scheduled to retire in 2012 and says he won’t extend his term, but many baseball officials think he will stay on longer.

1/7/2010 11:17 PM NEW YORK (AP)