What teams are on the endangered species list?
Montreal tops the list. The Expos averaged 7,648 fans at Olympic Stadium this season. Minnesota, out of danger when the Twins were leading the American League Central early in 2001, is No. 2. The Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Devil Rays also are being considered but probably are safe for now. Don’t be surprised if the long-range plan calls for two more teams to be cut. Q: Will teams be eliminated before 2002? A: Commissioner Bud Selig says that’s possible, but no proposals have been made. All 30 of the current teams are on next season’s schedule, and some franchises already have released their schedules. The union has received the schedule, and if changes are made, legal rights for the players could be created. Q: Why is eliminating teams a way to improve baseball’s economic situation? A: Teams that are losing the most money receive a large part of the $160 million from revenue sharing. That would make more money available for other small-market teams that are struggling but not in a h
