In Minneapolis, Michael Rand noted Twins games are averaging 2 hours and 51 minutes this year, which is “a whopping 15 minutes” shorter than their '14 average. But in the last 23 games prior to yesterday, the Twins are “playing games in just under" 2:41, which is "a full 25 minutes faster than last season” (STARTRIBUNE.com, 6/16).
DADDY DAY CARE: In San Diego, Chris Jenkins writes the Padres, led by President & CEO Mike Dee, “already have sent an exploratory contingent to Cincinnati to study the Reds’ preparations for events in and around Great American Ball Park” for this year’s MLB All-Star Game. The Padres host the ’16 event, and Reds COO Phil Castellini said, “San Diego is a picture-postcard to begin with. You’ve got the great convention center. That whole waterfront is amazing. The new ballpark. You’ve hosted Super Bowls. ... You guys have a huge leg up in general” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/17).
GREEN MONSTERS INC.: In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy writes despite the Red Sox' 28-38 record this season and a recent seven-game losing streak, there will be "no changes at the top," as Red Sox ownership "loves" GM Ben Cherington and manager John Farrell. Both got contract extensions “after last year’s last-place finish, and both got votes of confidence when it was obvious the walls were caving in this season.” It is “probably because they are the ultimate company men.” Shaughnessy: "Complain all you want, Sox fans, this is your team and the Sox are not going to change anything” (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/17).
