In Phoenix, Paola Boivin wrote soccer's "growing presence" in the region suggests that it is possible an MLS franchise could "be in the Valley's future." MLS Exec VP/Communications Dan Courtemanche said that no expansion plans for Phoenix "are in place ... but the league is keeping a close eye on the market." Boivin noted plans to "build a soccer-only stadium already are in the works," as USL Pro club Arizona United SC Owner & CEO Kyle Eng "has met with civic leaders and potential financial partners." Eng "envisions complementing the facility with a soccer academy where young players from inside and outside the state can train" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/10).
BIRD FLYING THE COOP? In Boston, Nick Cafardo cited a source as saying that Orioles Exec VP/Baseball Operations Dan Duquette "is still in the running for the Blue Jays president’s job." This is a "sensitive subject and confidentiality has been very high." Orioles Owner Peter Angelos "doesn’t have to let Duquette go even if it’s for a higher title and paygrade" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/11).
FATHER TIME: In San Diego, Matt Calkins wrote under the header, "Padres Ownership Deserves Major Credit." After the team's many player acquisitions this offseason, "every Padres fan feels like a millionaire." Team President & CEO Mike Dee "deserves much of the credit for that." Maybe it also is "time to acknowledge what his superiors have done as well." Calkins: "Don't get it twisted, this team still needs to win. But for the first time in the Petco Park era, its owners are playing to do just that" (SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE, 1/11).
STEP RIGHT UP...: In N.Y., Dan Martin reported Mets fan Gary Palumbo last week began a Kickstarter campaign "to purchase space on a pair of billboards near Citi Field to encourage the Wilpons to sell the Mets." As of Friday, the campaign "had pledges above the $5,000 necessary to get the space for a month, beginning on March 30 -- Opening Day" (N.Y. POST, 1/10).
JOINING THE TRIBE: In Cleveland, Jay Miller reports the Indians and KeyBank have "signed a five-year agreement" for a new sign at Progressive Field. It will "be hung across from the 'toothbrush' lights above the first base line" (CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS, 1/9 issue).
