In Denver, Mark Kiszla wrote the "rock-bottom Rockies are a Little League team dressed up in big-league uniforms," and consequently, Coors Field "might be the saddest place on Earth." Kiszla: "At least in the sports world." Rockies Owner Dick Monfort for Wednesday's double-header "was surrounded by 40,000 empty seats as he watched his team fall into last place." Kiszla: "Think the paying customers are sending you a message, Mr. Monfort?" (DENVER POST, 5/8).
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker noted the Braves one month into the season and through 16 games at Turner Field "have drawn an average of 22,321 fans per game," which ranks 25th out of 30 MLB teams. The team's attendance "is down an average of 6,137 per game compared with the first 16 home games" in '14, marking the "largest drop" in the league (AJC.com, 5/7).
BEAR NECESSITIES: Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts said the organization has “spent several years
building a foundation of good young players, and they’re starting to
perform.” Ricketts: “I think everyone should be pretty excited about the
future of the Cubs.” Ricketts said of the Wrigley Field renovations,
“It's going to take several years. It's the first major renovation that
park has ever had. It's a lot of steel and concrete and a lot of stuff
fans don't see, so it's a few years away from being what we would call
done. But it's well under way” (“Fast Money Halftime Report,” CNBC, 5/7).
