BOSTON: Red Sox VP John Buckley said the Red Sox might be
able to break even with replacement ball, given two factors:
attendance is at least 1 million, and local TV and radio deals
take less than a 50% cut. Buckley, who spent Friday trying to
work out a deal with the Red Sox radio network and WSBK-TV, said
a 50% cut would be "too much." While Buckley wouldn't say how
much he is willing to take, "it would appear" the local TV
package would have to be reduced by at least 35%. To reach 1
million, the Sox would have to average 12,346, and with 94% of
approx. 22,000 season-ticket holders renewing, that goal seems to
be attainable (Nick Cafardo, BOSTON GLOBE, 3/19).
CINCINNATI: Reds Manager Davey Johnson called replacement
ball a "travesty." Asked when he will begin to manage
intensively, Johnson said: "When my stomach settles down. How's
that?" (Chris Haft, CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 3/20).
FLORIDA: Marlins Owner Wayne Huizenga expects the team to
regularly draw at least 16,000 to replacement games. Huizenga
also had "harsh words" for union chief Don Fehr: "I don't think
we can ever properly market baseball until we have a partnership
with the union. I don't think, under Don Fehr, we will ever have
a partnership with the union. That's the problem" (MIAMI HERALD,
3/20). The Marlins announced that for games from April 2-9,
children 12 and under will be able to get a ticket and a coupon
for a free hot dog and soda for 50 cents (MIAMI HERALD, 3/17).
NEW YORK: For WABC's suit against the Yankees.
OAKLAND: On April 9, the A's will offer "what they claim is
the most extravagant giveaway in major league history." The
first 15,000 fans will get custom-fit wool caps, the same the
players wear (S.F. EXAMINER, 3/18).
ST. LOUIS: There were only 25 buyers in the first two hours
when Cardinals tickets went on sale at Busch Stadium Saturday
(ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 3/19).
SAN FRANCISCO: Giants tickets went on sale Saturday, and
while no figures were available, Giants P.R. Dir Bob Rose
admitted: "Sales were slow" (S.F. EXAMINER, 3/19).
TORONTO: The AL approved Dunedin Stadium for Blue Jays
regular season games (American League).
