Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement today regarding the trade between the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays:

“Since Tuesday, I have carefully reviewed the proposed transaction between the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays. I asked our Baseball Operations Department and our Labor Relations Department to compare this proposed transaction with similar deals. I also consulted with experienced baseball operations executives to get their input regarding the talent involved in this transaction.

“After a thorough examination of this information, it is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established Major Leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both Clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion. It is, of course, up to the Clubs involved to make the case to their respective fans that this transaction makes sense and enhances the competitive position of each, now or in the future.

“I am sensitive to the concerns of the fans of Miami regarding this trade, and I understand the reactions I have heard since Tuesday. Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities and I fully understand that the Miami community has done its part to put the Marlins into a position to succeed with beautiful new Marlins Park. Going forward, I will continue to monitor this situation with the expectation that the Marlins will take into account the sentiments of their fans, who deserve the best efforts and considered judgment of their Club. I have received assurances from the ownership of the Marlins that they share these beliefs and are fully committed to build a long-term winning team that their fans can be proud of.”

In an unprecedented 12-player trade, the Marlins Sent Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle and Emilio Bonifactio along with $8,000,000 to the Toronto Blue Jays for shortstop Yunel Escobar, right-hander Henderson Alvarez, catcher Jeff Mathis and prospects Jake Marisnick (OF), Adeiny Hechavarria (SS), Justin Nicolino (LHP) and Anthony DeSclafani (RHP).

With this trade the Marlins dumped most of their salary commitments, reducing their payroll to under $20,000,000. While the Marlins managed to get some of the best prospects out of Toronto’s highly-respected farm system, they have opened up more holes in their lineup and rotation going into next season. With Nolasco and possible Morrison on the trade block, it’s not clear what the new core of this team will look like.