Ocrober 28, 2005

The longer they wait, the less likely it is that changes to the minor leagues and the draft will happen for 2006, but the issue remains open at least until major league owners meet in November.

Several sources said momentum for the changes—which would include eliminating the Arizona and Florida complex leagues, lengthening the schedule for other short-season leagues, and moving the draft to the end of June—is waning, and short-season leagues are planning for next season as if it will be the same as 2005.

“The changes they are proposing are far reaching and significant and they want to do more studies before they implement them, that’s the sense I am getting,” said Bob Richmond, who is president of both the Rookie-level Arizona and short-season Northwest leagues.