Lewis was named the permanent commissioner in June 2008.

Some observers feel that Vincent's absence (or any other permanent commissioner at the time) could have been a decisive turn in finding a compromise agreement.

"Once he becomes permanent commissioner those decisions will be made," Mr. Hatch said.

It went for 14 months without a permanent commissioner and suffered a scandal involving payments to influence the approval of generic drugs.

The owners can elect a commissioner pro tem while they seek a permanent commissioner.

Mr. Mason is now selecting a search committee to pick a permanent commissioner.

Major League Baseball still has dreadful national marketing, low viewership among the young, high ticket prices and no permanent commissioner.

In this year's search, it is not just speculation that Selig could become the permanent commissioner.

It now appears that the agency will be without a permanent commissioner for some time.

Michael Whan replaced her as the permanent commissioner in late October 2009.