Red Sox Advancing Good News For MLB

MLB has benefited in more ways than one from the Red Sox advancing to the World Series.  First, the league gets a marquee team with national appeal in the Fall Classic, and that bodes well for television ratings on Fox.  Additionally, Indians P Paul Byrd is the latest MLBer tied to HGH, and that story would have taken some of the spotlight away from the games this week had his team won last night.  But more importantly, the sport of baseball is in the best shape it has been in in years, as Bud Selig boasts that MLB revenues will top $6B this year, inching closer to the NFL.     

Tire Gauge
Bridgestone to title Super Bowl XLII halftime show in first year of NFL sponsorship.

L.A. Confidential 
NFL indicates league will not return to Coliseum because economic risks of renovating stadium "too risky."

Whistle Stop
NBA, NBRA deny report that six refs have been disciplined for violating gambling rules.

The New Life of Reilly
Rick Reilly reportedly leaving SI to join ESPN.

Pucks & Bucks 
One analysis says Predators Owner Craig Leipold stands to gain more than $30M from sale to local group.

Taking A Mulligan? 
PGA Tour Policy Board to consider reducing FedEx Cup playoff fields, altering schedule.

Self Serve 
ATP Tour launching global ad campaign aimed at increasing awareness, TV viewers.

Bleep Show
NCAA tells referees to crack down on basketball coaches' swearing this season.