NEW YORK -- Jim Bowden was fined by commissioner Bud Selig on Friday, a day after the Cincinnati Reds general manager compared a potential baseball strike with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Selig did not disclose the amount of the fine, levied after the commissioner consulted with Reds owner Carl Lindner and chief operating officer John Allen. A statement issued by the commissioner's office called Bowden's remarks ''insensitive and inappropriate.''

With union head Donald Fehr close to completing his meetings with players on the 30 teams, the union's executive board could set a strike date later this month.

However, a source familiar with the thinking of the players' union told The New York Times the setting of a strike date could be delayed if negotiations with owners produces positive developments.

''If players want to strike, they ought to just pick Sept. 11, because that's what it's going to do to the game,'' Bowden said before Thursday's game. ''I don't think there's going to be a work stoppage. I don't think anybody's that dumb.

''If they do walk out, make sure it's Sept. 11. Be symbolic. Let Donald Fehr drive the plane right into the building, if that's what they want to do.''

After the game, the Reds released a statement by Bowden apologizing for the analogy.

''Earlier today while speaking to a group of reporters, I made a horrible comparison between baseball's labor situation and the tragedy of 9/11,'' the statement said. ''I regret making such extremely insensitive remarks, and I apologize to anyone I may have offended. I am truly sorry.''

The Associated Press contributed to this report.