Franchise Notes

PHILADELPHIA STORY I: The Eagles will wear black jerseys for the first time ever this Sunday when they host the Giants. Manufactured by Reebok, the jersey features a white number trimmed in silver and midnight green. A midnight green band adorns both the collar and the sleeves, and the sleeves are highlighted by the same Eagle-head logo that marks the team's white and green jerseys. Authentic jerseys will go on sale to the public tonight at 5:30pm ET at the Pro Shop at Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles).

PHILADELPHIA STORY II: In Philadelphia, Dana Pennett O'Neil reports the Phillies next week will mail out seat assignments for Citizens Bank Park. The mailer "will also include an invoice," as the first payment of 33% of the ticket price is due December 17. The team yesterday unveiled its season-ticket campaign tagged "Real intimate, real fun, real grass," and plans to open up sales for full or partial ticket plans in December (DAILY NEWS, 11/11).

BREWERS: In Milwaukee, Walker & Haudricourt report that Brewers President & CEO Ulice Payne spent yesterday "meeting with team officials and fielded calls from fans concerned" about reports that the team will cut payroll 25% to $30M. One source said, "They [the Brewers BOD] are loath to put up more money of their own because they don't have it. They are loath to bring in new owners because they don't want to give up control. What you have is a stalemate, and the result is a $30 million payroll" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 11/11).

ORIOLES: In DC, Dave Sheinin reports that the Orioles are "blessed with their greatest degree of payroll flexibility" in five years. Sources said that the team has clearance to spend $75M. So far the team is committed to about $35M for next season (WASHINGTON POST, 11/11).

Matadors A Big Success In Chicago

NOTES: In San Jose, David Pollak notes the Sharks' declining attendance this season and writes the off-season decision to "slash payroll between [$10-12M] more than offsets the money lost because of declining crowds. In fact if attendance patterns for the first five home games continue, the franchise still could come out between [$4-6M] ahead." But CEO Greg Jamison said that the team still does not show a profit (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 11/11)...."Inside Edition" last night reported on the debut of the Chicago Matadors, a group of overweight men that entertains fans at Bulls home games. Reporter Victoria Recano: "The Matadors are a slam dunk hit" ("Inside Edition," 11/10).