Selig's team received $3 million from Pohlad's firm

P Payment could be a violation of rules, former commissioners say.

NEW YORK -- Bud Selig and a company controlled by Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad arranged for a $3 million loan to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1995, a deal being called a possible violation of baseball rules.

Former commissioners Bowie Kuhn, Peter Ueberroth and Fay Vincent said Tuesday the loan was unprecedented and might have broken the rules. Former players' association head Marvin Miller said it was a clear violation, although Selig's lawyer said there was nothing improper about the loan.

"It's such a treacherous thing," Vincent said. "It would raise in my mind all sorts of concerns."

Selig was president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee Brewers at the time, as well as baseball's acting commissioner.

Selig, elected commissioner in July 1998, is behind the plan to eliminate two teams before next season, most likely the Twins and Montreal Expos. Pohlad could receive more in a contraction buyout than he would if he sold the franchise.

The loan, first reported Tuesday by The Star Tribune of Minneapolis and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, was made by Tempus Investment Corp., one of Pohlad's companies.

Gonzalez signs with Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Juan Gonzalez agreed Tuesday night to a $24 million, two-year contract with the Rangers.

Gonzalez, 32, who turned down two-year offers from the New York Mets and Baltimore, rejoins the team he started his major league career with.

The deal with Texas calls for a $2 million signing bonus, $10 million this year and $12 million in 2003. The Rangers will defer $4 million of his salary this year and $6.5 million next season.

--From wire reports