The simple fact that Bud Selig stood on Pete Rose Way was noteworthy enough. But Selig also stood his ground.

        Selig, baseball's commissioner, showed no sign of softening his stance toward Rose during his appearance Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for Great American Ball Park.

        Selig knew local reporters would grill him about Rose, the Reds great who was banned from the game for his gambling associations. Selig, who hasn't answered Rose's letter requesting reinstatement, said baseball's attorneys have met with Rose's representatives and are continuing to study the case.

        “When that's all completed, I'll take a look at it,” Selig said. “I've been talking to our people all along. But the fact of the matter is that nothing has changed in the past few months. Until that is complete, there isn't anything appropriate for me to say.”

        Selig contested the notion, fostered by one interrogator, that 90 percent of fans support Rose's entry into the Hall of Fame.

        “I get a lot of mail and I talk to a lot of people everywhere. There is a very strong divergence of opinion on that subject,” Selig said. “I understand how people feel here. That's part of (Cincinnati's) great history and tradition. I understand what Pete Rose meant to people here. But there are many other views.”

        While saying that “it is my job to be fair and reasonable and to look at the evidence as it exists” — Selig indicated that his view allows little hope for Rose.

        “I have great faith in commissioner (A. Bartlett) Giamatti,” said Selig, referring to the man who suspended Rose in August 1989. “... Therefore, until there is any evidence, as I've often said, that conflicts with (Giamatti's findings), then there's no reason to have any further discussions.”

        Asked if Rose will be allowed to participate in the April 2003 opening of Great American Ball Park, Selig said: “That's 30 months from now. We'll worry about that later.”

        Selig addressed other Cin cinnati-specific issues. He expressed confidence that the Reds will seriously consider minority candidates — an oversight in Detroit a year ago — in the selection process for their next manager.

        The only ominous note Selig sounded was his demand for a new economic system that will reduce the financial disparity between large- and small-market clubs.

        He said it was “an aberration” that teams with mid-level to low payrolls such as San Francisco ($54 million at the start of the season), Oak land ($32 million) and the Chicago White Sox ($31 million) reached the postseason.

        “As local television revenues explode, the difference between the big markets and small markets is exacerbating,” Selig said.

        Asked whether revenue sharing must be increased, or a salary cap should be implemented, or free agency and arbitration must be re-examined, Selig's reply was: all of the above. “There are going to be a myriad of subjects that have to be dealt with,” he said.

SULLIVAN: How about Manager Bench? Davey out as Dodger boss? Grass decision to come next week Selig on Rose: 'Nothing has changed' First pitchfork thrown at Reds' ballpark RADEL: County, Reds slight fans

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