Diamond Mine

It’s time to play ball! The ’07 MLB season opens in full force today, and THE DAILY offers our first of two special season preview issues. Leading the news is Tribune Co.’s announcement of its intention to sell the Cubs and stake in CSN Chicago. Some other highlights: two baseball writers discuss the state of the league; Bud Selig’s salary dwarfs his counterparts; Ryan Howard and David Wright headline a crop of young marketable players; John Henry says MLB is “determined to limit our baseball revenues;" Jimmie Lee Solomon discusses efforts to enhance diversity; numerous baseball books hit shelves; and there are some winners and some losers among this year’s free agents.

Chinese Take-Out
NFL drops preseason game in Beijing to focus on regular- season contest in London.

Overnight Sensation
Florida-UCLA helps CBS reverse downward ratings trend for hoops tourney.

Divorce Proceedings
Steinbrenners pull out of New York horse track franchise bid led by Steve Swindal.

Curve Your Enthusiasm
Bobcats dropping ticket prices again; Fans respond tepidly to Blackhawks’ free ticket offerings.

One Size Fits All
Nike looks to narrow breadth of products with “Essentials” collection.

Lens Crafters
NFL reverses course on sideline restriction of local news cameras.

Front Page News
Comcast names Page Thompson President of Golf Channel.

Stroker Ace
Octagon’s Peter Carlisle expects more deals for Michael Phelps after record-setting week at World Championships.