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Rose in talks to end ban

NEW YORK -- Pete Rose may be getting his second chance.

Baseball's career hits leader could know by the end of the year if baseball will agree to end his lifetime ban, which would make him eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Rose and commissioner Bud Selig met secretly in Milwaukee on Nov. 25 and their lawyers have been exchanging proposals that could end the ban, the Associated Press reported.

A 17-time All-Star and former National League MVP, Rose agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 after an investigation of his gambling but has maintained he never bet on baseball. None of the 14 men previously banned for life by the commissioner's office was reinstated.

"It's a first hopeful sign," said Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken, who wrote twice to Selig last month urging reinstatement. Luken said he spoke to Bob DuPuy, Selig's top aide, on Nov. 27, and DuPuy said he would get back to him in about 30 days.

Baseball wants Rose to admit misdeeds as part of any agreement ending the ban, AP reported. Rose cannot appear on the Hall of Fame ballot as long as he is on the permanently ineligible list.

Selig did not return a telephone call seeking comment and DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer, issued a statement that did not confirm or deny the meeting.

Rose's lawyers, S. Gary Spicer and Roger Makley, did not immediately comment.

ESPN.com and a Cincinnati TV station reported that Selig and Rose met two weeks ago.

Warren Greene, Rose's business agent, was at the meeting, as were DuPuy and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, AP reported. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Schmidt was among a handful of Hall of Famers who persuaded Selig to consider lifting the ban.

Baseball and Rose have been exchanging proposals for more than 11/2 years, AP reported.

DODGERS: Manager Jim Tracy said he expected to speak with All-Star rightfielder Shawn Green this week about a possible move to first base. The move would allow general manager Dan Evans more flexibility in finding a replacement for first baseman Eric Karros.

METS: Japanese free-agent third baseman Norihiro Nakamura met with general manager Steve Phillips, who is seeking a replacement for Edgardo Alfonzo. Nakamura hit .294 with 42 homers and 115 RBIs last season for Kintetsu of the Pacific League.

PADRES: Right-hander Jaret Wright will try to resurrect his career in San Diego after agreeing to a one-year contract.

RED SOX: Former Phillies general manager Lee Thomas is staying on as special assistant to the general manager.

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