Yankees-Red Sox Games Provide Boost To MLB Ratings

While many question whether the attention paid by the mass media to the Yankees and Red Sox is positive for baseball, viewership numbers for the teams’ first series of the season indicate the rivalry is certainly good for MLB’s TV partners. Fox, ESPN, YES and NESN, facing competion ranging from the NBA playoffs to "The Sopranos," all chart solid ratings for the games this past weekend.

Over-and-Back
Ratings mixed for NBA’s opening playoff weekend on ESPN, TNT.

The Electric Company
TOP sponsor Samsung extends IOC deal through 2016 Games.

Pumping Iron
Cal Ripken Jr. forms brand to link charities and business interests.

Lost Sole
Genesco rejects Foot Locker’s $1.2B takeover bid.

Off The Trail
FSN Northwest opts against renewing deal with Blazers.

Hang Up & Call Again
Sprint Nextel’s Dean Kessel thinks AT&T has no chance in NASCAR lawsuit.

First Down
Matt Leinart dumps CAA for marketing citing agency’s swelling roster of athletes.

All Due Respect?
Tiger, other PGA Tour stars take some lumps for skipping this year’s Byron Nelson.

In Memory
David Halberstam remembered for contributions as sports journalist.