In Salt Lake City, Kyle Goon reported Jazz fans can "expect an introduction" to at least two of the team's new Nike jerseys "'very soon,' with two others to be released later but before the season." Jazz President Steve Starks, appearing on Salt Lake City's KNZS-AM last week, would not "discuss the color schemes of the new look, which has been subject to wide-ranging Twitter speculation." However, he said that the Jazz have "worked directly with Nike on designs and concepts, and Nike employees have been in Salt Lake conducting market research." Starks added that the end result will be "not just the four jerseys for next season, but a multi-year plan for a series of jersey releases" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 8/5).
BAZOOKA JOE: Cubs manager Joe Maddon said that he would "'love' to see day games on Saturday and Sundays only, plus an occasional getaway day or holiday, leaving Fridays at Wrigley Field for night games." Maddon: "This constantly having to get up and rush to the ballpark and not having a normal method during the course of the day, it does matter, because when you're on the road it's entirely different. ... 107 years indicates it wasn't such a good idea." In Chicago, Paul Sullivan noted the Cubs now are allowed 43 night games and want to get up to the league average of 54. Maddon: "We just play way too many day games during the week. ... Guys need their rest" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/5).
ON THE RIGHT PATH: WNBA Lynx Owner Glen Taylor indicated that the team is "going to turn a profit again this year." In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman noted the team struggled "to make money for about a decade." Meanwhile, Taylor said that the 20-3 Lynx "have drawn better at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, where they are playing this season while their arena is remodeled, than they did at Target Center" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/7).
FIVE ALIVE: ESPN.com's Mike Reiss noted some Patriots season-ticket holders were "buzzing over the past week after receiving" their '17 tickets, which were "delivered in a '5X Champions' box. The package "included a limited-edition flag" (ESPN.com, 8/6).
