Quote of the Day
"It's not possible we as a country are so different than everybody else. It just hasn't been tapped into
the right way."
-- Revolution Studios Founder Joe Roth, co-Owner of the MLS expansion team in Seattle, on soccer’s popularity in the U.S. (THE DAILY).
Top Stories
Scaling The Wall
MLB is the latest sports league attempting to capitalize on the emergent and potentially lucrative China market, with the Dodgers and Padres facing off in a pair of Spring Training games in Beijing this weekend. But the league faces huge challenges in convincing kids in China to put down their soccer balls and basketballs and pick up a bat. Baseball games are poorly attended and the country’s national team is facing budget cuts following this summer’s Olympics. Also, while Japan has flooded MLB with numerous All-Stars, China has yet to produce its first player on the sport's highest level. Still, MLB is hoping its Play Ball youth initiative will help cultivate the country’s first superstar. Such a find could boost the sport's popularity as Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian’s emergence has helped spark the Chinese public’s interest in the NBA.
Flying To The Meadows
MLB Cardinals' Mark Lamping accepts challenge of leading effort behind new Giants-Jets stadium.
Eastern Promises
State Street signs on as presenting sponsor for NESN's broadcasts of Red Sox-A's Japanese games.
Stepping Up
Reebok elevates VP/Brand Communications John Lynch to U.S. marketing head.
History Lesson
ESPN basketball documentary "Black Magic," set to debut Sunday, receives rave reviews.
Technical Difficulties
WNBA Sky GM, coach Bo Overton resigns amid Internet-fueled sexual harassment speculation.
The People's Voice
CBS adding Gus Johnson to NCAA tourney's second weekend after '07 absence upset fans.
Life's A Beach
IMG World Congress of Sports wraps up from California coast .
Talk Of The Town
THE DAILY catches up with MLB Giants Senior VP & CIO Bill Schlough.
