In Buffalo, Tim Graham cites sources as saying that Derek Jeter "explored purchasing the Bills when they were for sale last year." It is unknown whether the former MLBer "wanted to lead a group or be a minority partner." A source said that Terry and Kim Pegula, who bought the team for a record-setting price of $1.4B, "were not aware of Jeter's prior interest, have not been approached by Jeter and have not considered selling a portion of their team to him" (BUFFALO NEWS, 2/4).
FROM THE CHEAP SEATS: In Vancouver, Matt Robinson reports tickets for the Canucks' home game last night against the Jets "dropped below" US$25 apiece on the secondary market, as the team "continues to struggle to fill seats." Tickets were "selling at nearly half their face value at StubHub through the day." The Canucks "scrambled to move tickets in advance of the game," offering 50% "discounts to students and seat upgrades before the game" (VANCOUVER SUN, 2/4).
SECURITY CHECK: In San Diego, Dennis Lin notes the Padres yesterday announced "tighter security measures, including metal detectors, and increased parking rates due to planned development in the ballpark district." Walk-through metal detectors "will be installed at all Petco Park entry gates and access points, with all fans being screened," as mandated by MLB. Fans will "continue to have their bags checked," while express lines will be "available at all main gates for Padres Season Ticket Members and those without bags" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/4).
CONFLICT OF INTEREST? In N.Y., Tim Rohan reports Mets players "are paying" to use a private fitness center at Tradition Field, the club's Spring Training home. Mike Barwis, the operator of the gym, has been "associated with the team" as a consultant since '11 and recently took on a "more substantial role with the club, overseeing all of its strength and conditioning programs." The fact that Mets players are "paying to, in effect, work out at their own complex in the off-season has raised some eyebrows," although the money is "going to Barwis and not to the Mets." The MLBPA "is looking into the matter" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/4).
