Bochy: Selig will be 'missed' after retirement

SAN FRANCISCO -- Manager Bruce Bochy and left-hander Javier Lopez saluted Commissioner Bud Selig for altering Major League Baseball's landscape during an eventful tenure.

The pair of Giants spoke Thursday after Selig announced that he had finalized plans to retire in January 2015.

"I feel like the game's headed in the right direction and he's been a big part of that," said Lopez, an 11-year veteran, focusing on Selig's efforts to halt performance-enhancing-drug use. "You're seeing the game get back to its pure level," Lopez added. "The competitive balance is a lot better."

Said Bochy, "I think he's left quite a legacy with the changes he has made."

Bochy cited the All-Star Game format, which under Selig became a vehicle for assigning home-field advantage in the World Series. "He's done some good things to create more interest in baseball. He'll be missed."

Lopez observed that Selig presided over one of baseball's most challenging eras, given the drug controversy and work stoppages he endured. Lopez noted that Selig succeeded in helping forge an improved relationship between management and the Players Association, as well as continuing expansion and launching Interleague play.

"It helps to have a commissioner who's willing to take the chance and the opportunity," Lopez said.