It appears to be a "done deal" that the Red Sox, Yankees and likely the Mets "are going to wind up playing in London at least once over the five-year span of the new CBA," according to Michael Silverman of the BOSTON HERALD. The idea of holding a Yankees-Red Sox series in the U.K. "has been under discussion for the last two years" by Red Sox Owner John Henry and Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. The ratification of the new MLB CBA "spells out a commitment from MLB and the players to competing in multiple international destinations," which means talk of a Red Sox-Yankees matchup overseas "is turning more serious." No decision is "imminent, but the scenario is very much on the table." MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the MLBPA "no earlier than next spring ... could sign off on the ultimate decision." Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said playing the Yankees in London "would be great," and the Red Sox "would really like to do it." Yankees President Randy Levine wrote in an email, "We are hopeful and confident that we can play there soon. Playing the Red Sox in London would be a special and unique event.” Silverman notes one "hurdle that has been said to be cleared is what happens to the lost gate receipts for each club," as both "could seek corporate sponsorship deals that would take care of the substantial hit that comes from losing even one game from an 81-game home schedule." Baseball games in London would have to be "played in a soccer or rugby stadium, with Olympic Stadium ... a leading candidate" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/23).
