THE SIDELINES : Open-Minded on Rose, Vincent Says

Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent said today that even though he was involved in negotiations that led to the barring of Pete Rose from baseball, he can decide fairly whether to consider him for readmission to the sport.

Late Commissioner Bart Giamatti banned Cincinnati Reds Manager Rose from baseball Aug. 24, but Rose may apply for readmission one year from the date of the ban.

At the time, Giamatti, relying on a 225-page report prepared by his office, said he believed Rose had bet on baseball games, including those involving his own team.

“I think I can be a fair decision maker,” said Vincent in an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “I think to some extent it helps to know the full set of facts and to have been involved.”

Vincent said his highest priority as the new commissioner will be to work out a new labor agreement with players to avert a strike once the old agreement expires at year’s end. “No one wants an interruption in play,” he said.

Vincent, who is hired by the baseball owners, declined to characterize himself as a broker in the situation, saying merely that he hoped he could be helpful.