In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz writes the Braves' fall from 96 wins in '13 to 95 losses this season has been "so ugly and so dramatic" that it is "going to be a while before the masses buy in" to the team's plan. The Braves, by their "own admission, never attempted to build an attractive and winning product this season," and fans' scars "don't heal quickly from that." Additionally, Liberty Media, which owns the Braves, is situated "two time zones away and has shown a far greater desire to achieve success in real estate transactions" than in the "daily standings." Schultz: "That doesn't translate well to the ticket-buying public" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/7).
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: About 50 Astros staffers beyond the club’s typical traveling party went on their own accord to N.Y. for last night’s AL Wild Card game against the Yankees. The Astros granted their front-office staff liberal leave to make the trip on their own if they so chose. Fueled in part by a relatively soft secondary ticket market, Astros fans made a noticeable showing at Yankee Stadium last night. “We’ve begun to captivate our fan base and become truly relevant in Houston,” said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan (Eric Fisher, Staff Writer).
THE SAN FRANCISCO TREAT: Giants President & CEO Larry Baer indicated that the team expects "to boost payroll" for next year beyond the $170M figure in '15. He added "without hesitation that the team isn't looking for an infusion of capital and there are no plans to add to the ownership group." Baer also downplayed the idea that the Giants' $2B, 28-acre mixed-use development at Mission Rock will help the team "compete against baseball's big spenders" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/6).
THE MAN OF THE MOMENT: In Tampa, Tom Jones writes the Rays are "at a crossroads" after a second straight fourth-place finish in the AL East, and Rays President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman is "once again ... behind the wheel." However, there are "no excuses" this time. Jones: "He has a tight budget, but there's always a tight budget around here. Now let's see if Silverman has the right stuff. Now we will find out what he is made of. This offseason, it's all on Silverman" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 10/7).
