"Bud Selig, minutes after agreeing to stay on as Major League Baseball commissioner through 2014, left no doubt what was at the top of his task list. It is the resolution of the A's ballpark situation and whether they will be permitted to pursue a ballpark in San Jose over the objections of the Giants, who claim Santa Clara County as their terriotry.

"It's really on the front burner," Selig said here at the owners' meetings, where he accepted an extension of his contract by two years.

Selig confirmed that the special committee he appointed to examine the A's ballpark dilemma had presented a report to the MLB executive committee and that the report was "comprehensive." But the matter never made it to the agenda of the larger meeting where all 30 owners participate. A resolution could be brought to the ownership groups, soon, however.

"I would say we're proceeding at a rather quick pace," Selig said.

So if the final dispensation of the matter were a baserunner, would he say the deal is at third base?

"Might as well use a baseball analogy," Selig agreed, shrugging."