SILENT SOX AS-SASSO-N: CONSULTANT HIRED TO PLAN NEW BALLPARK

          The Red Sox have hired business consultant John Sasso
     "to oversee the strategic planning, marketing services, and
     government relations" for the proposed ballpark project,
     according to Joan Vennochi of the BOSTON GLOBE.  In the
     past, Sasso has "helped" private sector clients Raytheon Co.
     and John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. "win millions in
     tax cuts."  Sasso's hire comes in the "aftermath of
     [Patriots Owner Robert] Kraft's flawed and failed campaign
     for a football stadium" in MA (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/18).    
          GET YOUR PEANUTS ... AWAY FROM FENWAY! A BOSTON GLOBE
     editorial examines the Red Sox's decision to no longer
     permit pushcart vendors to operate on public streets
     "abutting Fenway Park," citing a city ordinance "requiring
     the approval of abutters prior to processing a vendor's
     license."  From the editorial: "Given the high costs of
     tickets and parking, fans at least deserve a break on snacks
     before entering Fenway's gates" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/18).