In Seattle, Adam Jude notes of the 41,137 fans in attendance yesterday for the finale of the Blue Jays-Mariners series, about 70% "were Blue Jays fans -- continuing the Canadians’ annual takeover of Safeco Field.” The “Let’s go Blue Jays!” chants “began just before the first pitch” (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/12). In Toronto, Rob Longley noted with “Go Jays Go” chants combined with “basically a sea of blue in every section, it was quite the sight and sound” at Saturday’s game. The announced crowd of 45,480 was “the biggest of the year” at Safeco Field. Blue Jays fans “flooded the streets around the Pike Place Market, eventually making their way to Safeco" (TORONTO SUN, 6/11).
A BRONX TALE: In Boston, Nick Cafardo noted Yankees manager Joe Girardi and Senior VP & GM Brian Cashman “are lame ducks” as they are in the final years of their contracts, and “evidently it’s not a big deal.” Cashman said, “I’ve been to this point a few times now. It’s just not unusual. It’s not something you can spend a lot of time thinking about. When the time comes, hopefully things will be taken care of, but it’s not something I talk a lot about.” Cashman “set out to rebuild the Yankees and his timetable is at least a year ahead of schedule” with the team atop the AL East, and Girardi “might be doing his best managing job” (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/11).
ON THE HOOK? In Ft. Lauderdale, Dave Hyde wondered what happens if Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria “doesn’t sell” the team. Hyde: “How does this market react?” Hyde: “This deal remains in full negotiation. But keep in mind, too, any headlines moving the deal forward haven’t proved lasting and the scant times any Marlins or major-league baseball official is quoted it’s with the addendum of, ‘if it’s decided to sell the team.’” Hyde: “What’s the plan if the Marlins aren’t sold this summer? Will Loria stay in neutral? Will he keep taking shots to win right now, as his depleted farm system shows, or will he re-build for tomorrow considering this team has little chance of going anywhere and has an inflated payroll?” They “need a plan." They “need to open up some revenue streams like the naming rights to the stadium and, at some point, a re-worked local TV deal” with FS Florida (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 6/11).
