MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has been my personal pinata for much of the past 4 years I've been hosting Sports Business Radio. Despite record attendance and revenues for MLB, Selig continues to make one bad decision after another and as I've said many times, he's turned a blind eye to the drug problem that infested his sport 20 years ago.

Now Selig has a mess on his hands with the Boston Red Sox. Quite possibly the most popular team in America today. And after their actions today, they will only become more popular.

The Red Sox are scheduled to head to Japan to open their season against the Oakland A's. Its an important series for the teams as the games count, but its even more important to Selig and his league when it comes to expanding MLB's brand and the Red Sox brand into Japan. With Dice-K on the mound for opening day in Japan, all eyes will be on this game and this series.

The Boston Red Sox refused to take the field for their final spring training game in Florida today and threatened to boycott their flight to Japan for their season openers unless their coaches and other staff are paid for the trip.

Red Sox Manager Terry Francona and his players were upset after learning staff members are not going to get a $40,000 stipend. The Boston Herald reported players insisted part of their agreement to make the trip included the fee -- for them and the coaches.

This is yet another major snafu for Bud Selig. Selig looses sight of the big picture and let's little things like a $40,000 stipend get in the way.

Major League Baseball enjoyed record revenues of $6 billion last season and Selig won't pay the coaches of the Red Sox a measley sum to travel all the way to Japan to start the season?!

Selig will spend more on fancy hotels and sushi during his visit to Japan than he will by paying these coaches.

Selig should immediately apologize and agree to pay the coaches their $40,000 stipend and move on with life. Anything less is ridiculous.

And kudos to the Red Sox players for standing strong behind their manager and coaches on this one.

UPDATE: MLB has relented and will compensate the Red Sox and A's coaches. The Red Sox and A's are leaving for Japan today.