In Tampa, John Romano wonders if the Rays' "notoriously underwhelming attendance figures are going to get even uglier" now that the team is "sinking on the field." The Rays began this week ranked 29th in MLB average attendance at 17,871. That is "almost identical to where they were at this point last year, which is a pretty good indication that their preseason sales were similar." But the Rays "were two games out of the wild-card race around this time last year," but are now "about two miles out of the wild-card race" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 6/17).
THE BUCK STARTS HERE: In Milwaukee, Don Walker reported new Bucks co-Owners Wes Edens and Marc Lasry are "drawing interest from local investors who want to be part of the new ownership team." The Bucks in a statement responded to questions about additional investors being in place by the June 26 NBA Draft, "There is strong interest from numerous local investors." Walker reports Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' name "has surfaced as a possible investor" (JSONLINE.com, 6/14).
ALL IN THE FAMILY: In Boston, Pete Abraham noted the Red Sox are among MLB teams becoming more "accommodating to children" as a "recruiting tool for free agents." Red Sox P Jake Peavy: "The Red Sox as a whole really preach the family aspect. The guys on the team, we feel like a family, and the Red Sox understand when you treat people like that and make it your culture, it helps. Being kid-friendly takes some of the tension off and some of the stress away" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/15).
