According to a report by the Boston Herald, baseball commissioner Bud Selig plans to step down after the 2011 season.

It was the same kind of approach that had been used to convince him to stay in charge at least two other times, the first being after he stepped in as head of the executive council to lead ownership after Fay Vincent was forced to resign as commissioner in 1992. Selig’s tenure most recently had been scheduled to end in 2009, but his deal was extended quietly in early 2008.

This time, according to sources, Selig told the owners he will step aside after 2012 — not because he is tiring but because he has other things to do while he’s able.

One of Selig’s top lieutenants, Bob DuPuy or Rob Manfred, might be the best choice if the goal of owners is to continue in the same direction. Baltimore Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail, whose father and grandfather are in the Hall of Fame as executives, would be a popular choice among owners. The list is sure to grow as Selig moves closer to retiring.

Many will remember Selig for turning a blind eye during the steroid era and calling the 2002 All-Star Game a tie. But he also brought interleague play to baseball, as well as instant replay.

Whoever takes over for Selig will have to deal with striking a new collective bargaining deal, which is no small task.

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