MLB owners expected to ratify new drug policy

MILWAUKEE -- After a toughened drug agreement was passed unanimously by baseball's executive council, Bud Selig expects an easy path to ratification when owners meet today.

"We have no controversy. None. Zero," the baseball commissioner said Wednesday as the two-day session began.

Players and owners have until May 23 to ratify the drug agreement their negotiators signed off on last month. The deal increases the frequency of tests and the authority of the program's independent administrator.

"When you think of where we were, and where we are today, it is remarkable," Selig said.

Selig said the culture of drug use in baseball has been altered.

"Not only do I think it's changed, I think it's changed dramatically," Selig said. "In fact, there's not a question about that. I meet with trainers and I meet with team doctors -- they will tell you."

• Bud Selig said MLB officials have received the Cubs' financial records and are reviewing them, another step toward the Tribune Co.'s sale of the team and Wrigley Field. But Selig said it will up to the team to release its books to potential bidders.

"We sent it back to them, they'll look at it, we'll have an agreement, then they'll go out to the bidders," Selig said.