In San Jose, Tim Kawakami writes now would be the perfect time in the 49ers' season for CEO Jed York and GM Trent Baalke to "act like leaders and stand up for themselves and their team." But the duo will "probably do what they always do in chaotic times: Stay deep, deep in the shadows," which is "unhealthy for this franchise." Last season, all the unnamed sources "lined up to undermine" then-coach Jim Harbaugh, and this season the "murmuring is about" QB Colin Kaepernick. York and Baalke "could come forward and tell the world that Kaepernick is their quarterback now and into the future and that they would never plot against him." But instead, they are "letting it fester" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 10/30).
MORE WITH LESS: In California, Nick Green wrote the Red Bulls' "template for success as the MLS playoff semifinals begin this weekend included getting rid of high-priced veteran talent like Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill." The team's payroll "went from third highest in the league last year to dead last" in '15, a season where spending on big-name foreign talent "rose to never-before-seen levels in MLS." There were reports earlier this year that the reduction in expenditure was "due to the club’s corporate owners losing interest in MLS and the franchise." True or not, NYC FC’s "deep-pocketed owners may want to think along the same lines and stop meddling in club affairs" (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 10/29).
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: In Ft. Lauderdale, Craig Davis notes the NHL Panthers' party for season-ticket holders and sponsors Wednesday was "another aspect of an initiative to make fans feel part of the family, and the Panthers hope, bolster the fan base." Panthers Exec Chair Peter Luukko said, "It's a little camaraderie for the team, and the guys get together and really help out the business side of the organization." Events such as this, "with players bowling, shooting pool and interacting with their customers are viewed as vital for fostering relationships with the community." There also was a "barbecue for ticket-holders before the season" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 10/30).
