PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio cited a source as saying that the NFL "actively is calculating the revenue that would be lost by reducing the preseason by as many as two games." The league "has the unilateral right" under the CBA signed in '11 to "dump up to two preseason games" without the NFLPA's consent. However, the NFL "no longer has the power to expand the regular season without NFLPA agreement." If the preseason is reduced, the goal "would be to balance out the lost revenue either by increasing the regular season or expanding the postseason" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 9/13).
ISLAND IN THE SUN: In L.A., Bill Shaikin reported MLB plans to play games in Puerto Rico next season "as a celebration of the legacy" of late Baseball HOFer and Puerto Rico native Roberto Clemente. A source said that the tentative schedule calls for the Pirates to "play all or part of a four-game series in San Juan next season" against the Marlins, but the plans "have not been finalized." Games in Puerto Rico "would put an exclamation point on MLB's efforts to revitalize baseball there, including the establishment of an academy, the creation of a summer league and the introduction of training programs and showcase events" (L.A. TIMES, 9/13).
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN: ESPN.com's Peter Bodo wrote Serena Williams falling to Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday "points to the biggest question facing the WTA Tour" as Williams nears the age of 34: "What happens when she's gone?" There is "no reliable pecking order" in regards to a clear favorite on the tour in her absence. The WTA Tour "is in a state of flux -- chaos, if you prefer." Adding to this "sense of unknown is that Maria Sharapova, who has been fairly reliable as a distant No. 2 to Serena, is injured again." However, there are "other strong signs the tour is in the midst of a sweeping transition," as 44 tournaments this year have "produced 27 different winners" (ESPN.com, 9/12).
