In Chicago, Mark Gonzales writes the Cubs are "seizing the perks of their popularity and visibility at a feverish pace" after winning the World Series. Yesterday's "'day off' was an opportunity for numerous Cubs to promote their products and mingle with fans." Cubs 3B Kris Bryant "took batting practice in downtown Chicago as part of his promotion with Red Bull," a product he has endorsed since '15. LF Kyle Schwarber "participated in a signing at a downtown Macy's department store." 2B Javier Baez joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a ceremony at Humboldt Park "honoring Baez with a street sign." Meanwhile, the duties of manager Joe Maddon's "Respect 90" foundation have "swelled so much" that Maddon named former Rays VP/Communications Rick Vaughn Exec Dir (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/12).
STRANGE MAGIC: In Orlando, David Whitley writes the Magic's "death march will come to a merciful end" tonight, as the team's search for a new GM has "probably already begun." Magic GM Rob Hennigan’s rebuilding plan "lies in ruins." Whitley: "We come not to bury the architect, but to warn Magic fans that the relief in sight might be no relief at all." Unlike previous searches, the Magic "did almost everything right the last time they were in this position." But when it comes to talent searches, there is "no more inexact science than a general manager safari" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/12).
GETTING THEIR FIX IN: In Baltimore, Joshua Gordon reported local tech company Fixt is "poised to grow its presence using marketing at M&T Bank Stadium" during the '17 NFL season after being "named the winner of the Baltimore Ravens Innovation Challenge as part of Light City Baltimore." Fixt, which specializes in mobile phone repair and replacement, was "one of six local startups that pitched to a panel of judges" last Thursday. As the winner, Fixt will "work with the Ravens on a one-year sponsorship package worth around $210,000" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/7).
