Tim Tebow made his Spring Training debut for the Mets yesterday, and in N.Y., John Harper writes it is not "any real crime against baseball, but the Mets seem all too happy to play the role of carnival barkers as they cash in on his popularity in the form" of jerseys and ticket sales. If the Mets "actually cared about him as a potential prospect ... they did him a disservice by bringing him over from the minor-league side to play against the Red Sox." Harper: "He’s so far from being ready for this level of pitching that it’s not fair to his development." Tebow went 0-3 with two strikeouts (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/9).
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS: In an attempt to improve the fan experience at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta United President Darren Eales said that the club will use its "communication channels (social media, app, e-mail blasts, working with the four supporter's groups) to try to make sure those coming to the game are aware of policies" at the game. In Atlanta, Doug Roberson notes confusion on "some or all of the entrance policies were a reason for some of the long lines" at the team's opener on Sunday. Due to construction, the stadium's capacity with be reduced to 45,000 for Atlanta United's subsequent games, and fewer people "should also improve the overall experience" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 3/9).
THE HONEYMOON IS OVER: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler wrote Panthers GM Dave Gettleman is "facing the most important offseason of his career," as his "honeymoon period ... is over." NFL GMs "regularly survive one poor season, but frequently they do not survive two" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 3/8).
