ESPN.com's Buster Olney noted former MLBer Derek Jeter this week was in Havana for the Rays-Cuban national team exhibition game, and there "was a fair amount of buzz within the industry that this might be the latest indication" that Jeter will eventually join the Rays' ownership group. Sources said that they "have not heard anything concrete about a Jeter-Rays link." But the speculation "makes sense in some ways: Jeter lives in Tampa, and he would be a perfect agent for change whenever the Rays reach a turning point in their ballpark situation." It is "easy to envision Jeter having power as a lobbyist for a team looking for a new ballpark situation" (ESPN.com, 3/23).
FINAL COUNTDOWN: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker reported the Braves are planning a ceremony at the end of the fifth inning of every Turner Field game this season "during which a display on the left-field wall will be adjusted to show one fewer home game remaining." The April 4 season opener against the Nationals will "begin with the wall showing 81 games remaining." At the end of the fifth inning, when the game is official, members of the '97 Braves -- the first team to play in Turner Field -- will "appear on the field to remove the number 81 and change the countdown to 80." Braves marketing execs said that special guests will "be on hand for every game during the season to continue the countdown" (AJC.com, 3/24).
MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY: In Houston, Amber Elliott wrote the Astros Foundation, which "was worth $50,000" in '12, has grown to $8M under the leadership of team Owner Jim Crane and foundation Exec Dir Twila Carter. The "key to their success has been casting a wide net to best serve" Houston's diverse needs. The inaugural black-tie Diamond Dreams Gala "raised $500,000 for New Hope Housing, a nonprofit that combats homelessness and provides support services for low-income Houstonians." On Father's Day, the Astros Foundation's fourth Picnic in the Park will "treat local families to a buffet, hour-long autograph session and more in the outfield" -- all benefiting at-risk youth through programs "supported by Community Leaders, the Astros Urban Youth Academy and Astros Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/24).
MISSOURI COMPROMISE? A Missouri state representative is supporting a proposal to make the Cardinals the official baseball team of Missouri, and MLB Network's Chris Rose said, "That is garbage as far as I am concerned." He said, "I get it. The guy’s from the North Side of St. Louis and he is trying to win over his constituents and all that sort of stuff. But come on, dude." MLB Network’s Kevin Millar said, “I agree 100%, brother. You’ve got two teams that are sitting there in that state and one are champs, one has been in the World Series the last couple of years. ... The Cardinals win more, we know that, but the ‘Show Me State' Royals have been there the last couple of years with a crown” (“Intentional Talk,” MLB Network, 3/24).
