MLB: In Denver, Mike Klis wrote that the Rockies "are
experiencing a substantial attendance drop for the first
time," as the team's attendance is down 10.4% from last
year's final attendance, with single-game ticket sales "at
the core" of the decline (DENVER POST, 6/18)....In Boston,
Peter Gammons wrote that new ballparks for the Brewers,
Astros, M's, Giants and Tigers may impact mid-season MLB
trades. In addition, Indians GM John Hart may be limited, as
Indians Owner Dick Jacobs "worries that trading too many
young players will devalue his sale price" (B. GLOBE, 6/20).
MORE NOTES: Stars Owner Tom Hicks said the team fell
"two home games short" of breaking even financially: "If we
could have got the Stanley Cup to about a nine-game series,
we could have done it" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/21)....Oilers
President & GM Glen Sather said his team is searching for
ways to increase revenue, but can't increase ticket prices
any further: "We can't keep jacking up our prices. We're up
as far as we can go. We're maxed out. We've maxed out all
the revenues" (CALGARY HERALD, 6/19)....In Cleveland, Tony
Grossi wrote that unless Ravens Owner Art Modell "finds an
investor willing to infuse ... much-needed cash," he could
"lose the team." Grossi: "Modell's constant state of denial
is a large part of his problem, say sources. Ever the
optimist, he believes he will always find someone to bail
him out. ... NFL owners are losing their patience with
Modell's continual financial problems" (PLAIN DEALER, 6/20).
