In N.Y., Bob Raissman cites Nielsen data in reporting Yankees TV ratings on YES through July 7 "were averaging a 2.55 rating, down a hefty 15% from the same point" last season. The average total viewership on YES’ Yankees games "is 237,000, down 17% from the same point" in '14. It is "surprising" that DH Alex Rodriguez is "not driving ratings higher on Yankees telecasts." The numbers "were better at this point last season" while he was serving a season-long suspension. Rodriguez "brings controversy, legitimate star power and a possible comeback of the year storyline to a team with little marquee value to sell" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 7/10).
OFF TO A FAST START: The AP's Jenna Fryer noted reviews for NBC's return last weekend to NASCAR coverage "were resoundingly positive." NASCAR Chair & CEO Brian France said, "I was just blown away by how well they covered the sport and it makes me get excited about the future with them, because that was a great broadcast." France said of analyst Steve Letarte, "He was spectacular for limited experience in the booth. He's very current with his perspective of what's going on with the race cars" (AP, 7/8).
PLANES, TRAINS & BANANA BOATS: In Boston, Chad Finn writes the "fiasco" surrounding Clippers C DeAndre Jordan's decision to ultimately re-sign with the team "was Twitter at its absolute peak." As news broke that Jordan was "having second thoughts about joining the Mavericks and that various Clippers were heading to his house in Houston to put on the full-court press, those teammates began tweeting emojis indicating the modes of transportation they were using" to get to the city. Clippers G J.J. Redick "tweeted a car emoji," while Clippers F Paul Pierce "cut and pasted a picture of a rocket ship." Clippers G Chris Paul, last seen "riding a banana boat in the Bahamas" with Heat G Dwyane Wade and Cavaliers F LeBron James, "tweeted a banana ... and a boat" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/10).
