Phoenix ? Major league baseball canceled the season-opening series in Japan between Seattle and Oakland because of the threat of war in Iraq.

“Given the uncertainty that now exists throughout the world, we believe the safest course of action for the players involved and the many staff personnel who must work the games is to reschedule the opening series,” commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday.

“It would be unfair and terribly unsettling for them to be half a world away — away from their families at this critical juncture.”

The teams had planned to leave today for games March 25-26 at the Tokyo Dome. But plans were put on hold Tuesday morning as Selig and major league officials talked to government and security agencies.

“While I don’t doubt the exemplary security efforts that the city of Tokyo and the government of Japan were prepared to provide for our players and personnel, I had to weigh those security precautions against a very unpleasant and potentially dangerous set of variables that go along with a nation on the brink of war,” Selig said.

Baseball opened its 2000 season in Tokyo, with the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs playing two games. Baseball had already been planning to have the New York Yankees open the 2004 season in Japan, probably against Tampa Bay, Toronto or Baltimore.

Seattle’s visit was highly anticipated in Tokyo because of two Japanese players on the Mariners’ roster: Ichiro Suzuki and Kazuhiro Sasaki.

It would have been the first time Seattle owner Hiroshi Yamauchi, who lives in Japan, saw his team play.

“I find it extremely unfortunate, but it’s because of war and there is little we can do,” Japanese baseball commissioner Hiromori Kawashi said.

The games were rescheduled for April 3 and June 30 in Oakland.

Even though several baseball officials already were in Japan, setting up for the series, many players had been jittery about going.

“We’ve got guys going to war for our country,” Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez said. “I want to be here. Call me patriotic or whatever, this is where I want to be.”

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McGraw recovering: Tug McGraw, 58, underwent surgery in Tampa, Fla., to remove a brain tumor. Doctors don’t expect to know until Friday whether it was cancerous.

“His chances are excellent for recovery,” Dr. Steven Brem said.

Brem, who directs the neuro-oncology program at the Moffitt Cancer Center, said the single tumor extended to both sides of the brain.

McGraw helped the New York Mets and Phillies win World Series titles during his 19-year career.

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Wendell hurt: Turk Wendell’s return to Philadelphia’s bullpen was dealt a setback. The right-hander, who missed all of last season after elbow surgery, has a sore elbow. Wendell felt pain during his last outing Sunday against Minnesota.

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D’backs sign Gonzalez: Luis Gonzalez and Arizona agreed to a $30 million, three-year contract extension. It’s a substantial raise for Gonzalez, a three-time All-Star and .316 hitter in his four years with the team. He will get $4 million this year.

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Karsay to miss opener: New York Yankees reliever Steve Karsay received a cortisone shot because of bursitis in his right shoulder and will start the season on the disabled list. Karsay has pitched just twice this spring.

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Angels’ Wise done: Anaheim right-hander Matt Wise will be sidelined for the season because of a torn ligament in his pitching elbow and will have surgery next Tuesday in Los Angeles. Wise is 4-7 with a 4.74 ERA in 26 big league games.

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Rangers honor Ryan: Texas renamed a practice field at its training facility Nolan Ryan Field in Surprise, Ariz., to honor the Hall of Fame pitcher.

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Hernandez sidelined: Orlando Hernandez will be sidelined for seven-to-10 days because of tendinitis in his right rotator cuff. Hernandez had been scheduled to start Montreal’s game Tuesday, but he was ordered to rest.

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D.C. mayor cancels trip: District of Columbia Mayor Anthony A. Williams canceled a trip to meet with baseball officials in Phoenix, citing security concerns. The mayor and D.C. Council Chairwoman Linda Cropp were scheduled to meet with baseball officials on Thursday to make their presentation to baseball’s committee on the Montreal Expos.