Quote of the Day
“You did the general managers' work for them. You did what they could not do in a room together.”
-- MLBPA COO Gene Orza, to N.Y. Times writer Murray Chass, after Chass, for a column this week, asked several GMs if they had interest in free agent Alex Rodriguez (N.Y. TIMES, 11/9).
Top Stories
MLB's GM meetings have wrapped up in Orlando, but the drama around baseball's offseason has only begun. The "C" word -- collusion -- has once again crept up, with the MLBPA saying they are investigating a process whereby GMs shared plans for players with one another. The union is also concerned that Bud Selig has attempted to "influence the market for at least one player,” later identified as Alex Rodriguez. Meanwhile, it's just a matter of time until more names connected with performance-enhancing drugs start to surface. Should be an interesting offseason.
Is Selig Influencing A-Rod Market?
Cross Check
Gary Bettman denies Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk's estimate that 40% of NHL’s revenue comes from Canada.
Business Card
Agent Mike Ornstein inks marketing agreement with Matt Leinart one day after being fired by former USC teammate Reggie Bush.
Sonic Doom
David Stern warns putting a team back in Seattle unlikely if Sonics relocate to Oklahoma City.
Bearing Down
Source says Bud Selig has ruled out Tribune Co.’s sale of Cubs before end of year; sale "highly unlikely" before start of '08 season.
Chinese Fireworks
More than 250 million in China expected to watch first match-up between Yao Ming’s Rockets, Yi Jianlian’s Bucks.
Money List
PGA European Tour to stage $20M event in Dubai in ’09, the richest tournament in golf.
End Of Cycle
adidas cites ongoing doping controversy in move to end sponsorship of German team T-Mobile.
Box Seat
Oscar De La Hoya eyes Dodger Stadium as site of next fight.
