MLB Franchise Notes: Red Sox-A's Two-Game Set In Japan Sold Out

Red Sox Chair Tom Werner said that the season-opening two-game series against the A's in Tokyo is sold out. Werner also indicated that the Dodgers are "looking into the possibility of expanding capacity" at the L.A. Coliseum to 100,000 for the March 29 Red Sox-Dodgers exhibition game at the stadium (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/20).

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DOUBLE STANDARD: With Yankees Senior VP Hank Steinbrenner recently claiming the NFL is not criticized as much as MLB for the use of performance-enhancing drugs among players, ESPN’s Kevin Blackistone said, “The reason that baseball is getting singled out is because baseball has colluded ... for all these years to cover up steroid use” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 2/19). ESPN.com’s Eric Neel: “Our relationship to the game (of baseball) is different than it is in football. All we really want to know in terms of numbers in football is what’s the spread on a given weekend, and we want guys to be as fast and strong and powerful as they possibly can be” (“Jim Rome Is Burning,” ESPN, 2/19). ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser: “Baseball is not being singled out. Baseball singled itself out.” ESPN's Michael Wilbon: "I don’t necessarily disagree with anything Hank Steinbrenner had to say. But it’s not his place to say when his house is not in order” (“PTI,” ESPN, 2/19).

NOTES: In Denver, Patrick Saunders reported the Rockies have seen a "significant spike in season-ticket sales" over the '07 MLB season. Rockies VP/Communications & PR Jay Alves: "It's been north of a 20[%] increase in season-ticket sales." The Rockies have increased their season-ticket base to between 17,000-18,000 "despite an approximate 15[%] price hike for season tickets" from last season (DENVER POST, 2/17)....The Padres have established a working agreement with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, in which the two teams will exchange scouting information and assist in scouting efforts (Padres).

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