NBCSPORTS.com's Craig Calcaterra noted MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in October acknowledged that the Indians' Chief Wahoo logo is "offensive," but since then there has been "no public evidence or reporting of a conversation" between Manfred and Indians Chair & CEO Paul Dolan about the logo. It is "possible that they discussed the matter at an owners meeting or at the Winter Meetings, but none of that has come to light as of yet." If the awarding of the '19 All-Star Game to Cleveland was "not conditioned on a phase-out of Chief Wahoo, Manfred’s words back [in] October on this matter were empty, as is his claim that he understands the concerns of those who want to see Wahoo gone" (NBCSPORTS.com, 1/26).
SITTING THIS ONE OUT: In DC, Scott Allen reported a mascot of President Franklin D. Roosevelt "won't be joining" the Racing Presidents at Nationals Park this season. A Nationals spokesperson in a statement said the decision came due to "logistical challenges and a lack of enthusiasm for the Roosevelt family." There was speculation that FDR would become the "latest visiting Racing President" in '17 after mascot versions of Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover made appearances in '15 and '16. Coolidge and Hoover "have since retired" to the team's Spring Training home in West Palm Beach as part of the team's partnership with the White House Historical Association (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 1/25).
HOME BREW: In Milwaukee, Tom Haudricourt noted the Brewers plan to "celebrate the 35th anniversary" of their '82 World Series team during the weekend of July 14-16. The event will "feature a reunion" of the AL champion players in an on-field ceremony at Miller Park on July 15. This year's Brewers "will wear replicas" of the team's '82 home uniforms "during all three games" of that weekend series against the Phillies (JSONLINE.com, 1/26).
