In Boston, Peter Abraham reported Red Sox P Koji Uehara has "signed to promote a beer brand in Japan, Suntory Premium Malt," and has "filmed a commercial." The spot shows Uehara "sitting at a bar and drinking a glass of beer with a satisfying 'Ahhh' at the end." Uehara said that he also "wrote a book about his experiences last season" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/25).
SHIVER ME TIMBERS: The Pirates on Monday announced a multiyear deal with Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment. Van Wagner will maintain and operate the home plate and first base rotational signage at PNC Park and make adjustments to maximize exposure for partners of the Pirates. Adjustments in-park include the installation of a new home plate signage machine and changes to the signage along the first base line (Pirates).
SIGN ME UP: In Akron, Stephanie Storm noted Indians staffers on Monday were setting up "piles of player and team memorabilia to be signed." Indians Community Outreach Coordinator Justin Sherman said, "Everyone on the roster has a time to come in and sign today. Some guys who don't have a lot of stuff can do it in a half hour or so. Others have to pop in a couple different times to get it all done." 1B Nick Swisher's "pile of 500 items was the largest this year," but 2B Jason Kipnis "wasn't far behind with 470 items." DH Jason Giambi "had 250 pieces of memorabilia to autograph." Every item is "authenticated with a small, shiny silver hologram sticker featuring a number that is logged and kept on file" by MLB (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/25).
