Sixteen MLB teams cut payroll for the 2009 season, including — surprise! — the New York Yankees.Sixteen MLB teams cut payroll for the 2009 season, including — surprise! — the New York Yankees. All in all, MLB payrolls are down some $47 million from 2008, a 1.7 percent drop and the first since 2004. The […]
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Tigers highlight Big Three after loss of GM sponsorship
The Detroit Tigers are using space at Comerica Park previously used for a GM sponsorship to highlight new offers from all three Michigan carmakers.Comerica Park once featured a huge sponsorship from General Motors, who paid to put their name on a huge fountain activated when a Tiger hit a home run. But given the company’s […]
Concrete falls into Angel Stadium stands; ballpark passes subsequent inspection
After a piece of concrete fells into the stands during the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season opener, a six-person inspection crew found no other problems.After a piece of concrete fells into the stands during the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season opener at Angel Stadium, a six-person inspection crew found no other problems. The […]
Why are MLB.TV broadcasts so bad?
Four days into the season and performance on MLB.TV’s online game broadcasts has been disappointing — and fans are in an uproar because their complaints have been scrubbed from an official MLB AM online forum.Trying to follow game action online via MLB.TV broadcasts so far this season has been an exercise in frustration, as fans […]
Various San Jose groups begin task of landing A’s
The groups are addressing different facets of luring the Oakland A’s to San Jose, but none are tasked with managing the 800-pound gorilla of territorial rights — or the lack of them.San Jose’s efforts to land the Oakland A’s kicked into gear last night as the city council launched initiatives to win neighborhood and Giants […]
County approves financing plan for new Marlins ballpark — with reservations
Despite earlier promises to the contrary, Miami-Dade County will need to back bonds issued for a new Florida Marlins ballpark with property-tax revenues — and not all the commissioners were happy about that late change in plans.Despite earlier promises to the contrary, Miami-Dade County will need to back bonds issued for a new Florida Marlins […]
Finally! Metra explores US Cellular stop for 2010
The home of the Chicago White Sox might finally get its own trains top, as Metra officials look at a stop that would also service Illinois Institute of Technology.Getting to U.S. Cellular Field could be easier as soon as 2010 if Metra, the Chicago-area transit authority, goes ahead with a train stop at 35th and […]
Rogers Centre to go dry tonight
Because of previous alcohol-related infractions, Rogers Centre will be dry tonight and for an April 21 game.Alcohol infractions dating back to 2007 has lead to a deal between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to suspend liquor sales at Rogers Centre for three events: tonight’s Blue Jays game, an […]
Tribune proposal: Receive cash for Wrigley Field, dump onerous lease on new owner
The Tribune Co. proposed selling Wrigley Field to the state of Illinois for $45 million and then saddle the new owners of the Cubs with a 30-year, $750-million lease. The plan died only when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was indicted.In the financial world, Tribune Co. owner Sam Zell is renowned for complicated financial deals — […]
Mets to commemorate Shea Stadium
Several reminders of Shea Stadium are incorporated into Citi Field, with a bronze plaque due to be installed at the former home-plate site.Shea Stadium is now gone, but the former home of the New York Mets will be remembered in various ways by the team at Citi Field. The most obvious symbol of the Shea […]
Debate continues over success of Petco Park development
Over a billion dollars in new development can be traced to the public financing of Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, but some still argue it was money misspent by the city.In most circles, the public funding of Petco Park would be hailed as an unqualitied success: a $300 million investment in […]
Astros begin 10th season at Minute Maid Park
It’s one of the most underrated ballparks in the majors: Minute Maid Park marks the tenth season of hosting Houston Astros baseball.It’s been an eventful nine years for the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. To celebrate the team’s 10th season, Lyle Lovett will sing the National Anthem at tonight’s home opener: he was also […]
Reds, RiverDogs to mark season openers with parades
A parade on Opening Day used to be common in the baseball world. This year, we can find only two teams — the Cincinnati Reds and the Charleston RiverDogs — holding the traditional event. Has the Opening Day parade died out?A parade on Opening Day used to be common in the baseball world. This year, […]