MLB.com's Adam Berry noted the Indians have "altered their uniform plan for next season, but they have not phased out their Chief Wahoo logo," as it will "remain on the Indians' caps when they wear their home white uniforms as well as their road alternate uniforms (navy jersey and gray pants)." The logo also will "remain on the left sleeve of all four of the Indians' jerseys" in '17 (MLB.com, 12/14). ESPN.com's Buster Olney wrote under the header, "Cleveland Makes Huge Mistake In Keeping Chief Wahoo." Olney: "What are the odds that in 2016, any baseball official would consider this logo? Zero. Not a chance in hell" (ESPN.com, 12/15).
EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS: In Ft. Worth, Gil Lebreton noted the Rangers will begin the '17 season with a team payroll of more than $170M, the "highest club payroll in franchise history," and only six other teams "are expected to have one higher" next year. Rangers President of Baseball Operations & GM Jon Daniels "clearly takes exception to the notion that the team won’t spend." Daniels: “We’ve been a top-10, maybe top-8 payroll for six or so years. And we will be again this year, and we’ll have a record payroll, the highest in franchise history. So I don’t think that’s an informed characterization" (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 12/15).
KID 'N PLAY: In Tampa, Marc Topkin noted the Rays on Thursday "unveiled a new free program for kids 14 and under that includes tickets to six games." The Rays Rookies club, presented by Outback Steakhouse, includes six "free ticket vouchers for any 2017 home game; one free food voucher; a foldable water bottle; autograph cards from mascots Raymond & DJ Kitty; plus Outback coupons, prize drawings and access to special events" (TAMPABAY.com, 12/15).
