YAHOO SPORTS' Nicholas Cotsonika writes Maple Leafs President Brendan
Shanahan "understands the challenge" of reshaping the franchise and
"accepts it, and he has been smart about how he has handled it so far --
not saying too much, not giving timelines, making moves methodically,
trying to improve incrementally." When former President & GM Brian
Burke took over the Leafs in November '08, he "made bold statements."
Cotsonika: "It backfired. He broadcasted his plans to the competition,
and he gave measuring sticks to the critics to use against him later.
Shanahan learned from that. He hasn’t tried to win the press conference"
(SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/9).
CROWDED HOUSE? Penguins President & CEO David Morehouse thinks that the organization's management -- "crowded as it might be -- can lead this team to glory." Morehouse yesterday said of new GM Jim Rutherford, "We were very lucky to get Jim. ... He certainly hasn't disappointed us. We were surprised he was available, and we were very happy to get him." Rutherford "isn't alone," as he "will be joined" by Associate GM Jason Botterill and Assistant GMs Tom Fitzgerald, Bill Guerin and Jason Karmanos. Morehouse was asked if there are "too many chefs in the kitchen." Morehouse: "Not at all. They're all very good people. Plus, they all have defined roles. Jim Rutherford is in charge of this" (PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 10/9).
THROW US A BONE: In Philadelphia, Mike Sielski writes the NBA's new TV deal "affords the Sixers an opportunity and the financial freedom to make a gesture that would earn them some good will among devoted and casual fans." Sielski: "They should lower their ticket prices. Now." Owner Josh Harris "ought to be willing ... to make a (relative) sacrifice or two to placate a fan base that will have to suffer through some rough times." Lowering ticket prices "across the board" would "be an acknowledgement of the patience that the Sixers are asking of their supporters and of the reality that the product the franchise plans to put on the court this season will be subpar" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/8).
WELCOME TO THE CLUB: In Cincinnati, Bowdeya Tweh reported N.Y.-based private-equity firm Blackstone Senior Managing Dir of Real Estate Frank Cohen is the Reds' "newest owner," as he "bought a minority interest in the team previously held by the Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust." Reds President & CEO Bob Castellini "remains the current principal owner" of the franchise, which has 19 investors (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 10/8).
