In Cincinnati, Zach Buchanan notes the cash from Disney's purchase of a majority stake in BAMTech will be "distributed among" MLB ownership groups, but the Reds have "yet to decide how to spend their share." Reds President & CEO Bob Castellini "hinted that some cash could be put into player payroll while some might be divvied up as profit for the members of the Reds ownership group." Castellini said, "We're going to try to do two or three different things that are going to be better for our franchise." However, Castellini said some of the money would "help our payroll for a little bit, at least for a short period of time" (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 8/10).
HANDS-ON APPROACH: In Boston, Ben Volin noted Jaguars Exec VP/Football Operations Tom Coughlin's presence has been "hard to miss" during the team's joint practices with the Patriots this week. Coughlin, a former coach, has been an "active participant" in practice despite being in a "front office job, working on contract negotiations and attending luncheons with major sponsors." Coughlin in recent days at Gillette Stadium "walked up and down through the stretching line." Coughlin said, "I enjoy being on the field. It's what I've always done and it's been good. It gives me a better opportunity to evaluate" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/8).
LOOSENING THE PURSE STRINGS: In Columbus, Michael Arace wrote the Crew's acquisition of F Pedro Santos "speaks well" of ownership and management. Santos cost a reported $2.35M transfer fee and a "guess-timated" $2M in salary. Arace: "This is a big deal." The previous owners of the Crew were "legendary for their miserly ways." The team has "never spent more to buy a player's rights" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 8/9). Also in Columbus, Andrew Erickson wrote the fact that the Crew were "able to make a serious offer to a starter on a top-five Portuguese team signals a significant step in the club's financial commitment" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 8/9).
