Talking Points 3/25

1

Professor Bud?

Talking Points is not sure if that has a ring to it or not. But that’s what Bud Selig wants to do after his tenure as baseball commis-sioner.

In an interview with a University of Wisconsin alumni magazine, Selig says he wants to teach a class at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, after he retires from baseball after the 2012 season.

So what will be the subject of his course?

“Sports in modern society,” Selig said. “Maybe 1960 to the present, from the time I’ve done it, or even before. Sports have played a very dynamic role in society … and that’s what I’d like to teach.”

Well, we can only hope that Bud doesn’t grade on a curve. Otherwise, Wisconsin students had better be prepared to cheat to keep up with classmates in Selig’s class.

2

Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter is critical of Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein in a magazine interview.

In the April edition of Men’s Journal, Showalter recalls the Yankees being surprised that he yelled at Jeter.

Showalter said Jeter is “always jumping back from balls just off the plate. I know how many calls that team gets.” Showalter said Jeter’s actions bother him.

Showalter also said: “I’d like to see how smart Theo Epstein is with the Tampa Bay payroll,” implying Epstein’s job is made easier by Boston’s “$205 million payroll.”

Asked Thursday about his comments, Showalter said he didn’t mean to be insulting and acknowledged, “Maybe it is envy or something on my part.”