MLB Franchise Notes: Nationals Moving On Without Jim Bowden

Nationals Front Office More Relaxed Since Bowden's Departure

WHICH WAY WILL THE WIND BLOW? In Chicago, Paul Sullivan noted the Cubs reportedly are considering increasing the number of night games at Wrigley Field, and for some players, the "increase is a no-brainer." Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez: "We play so many day games, especially in the summer when every day it's hot. It takes a toll on everyday players." But Cubs P Ryan Dempster said, "The tradition is cool, something unique to Wrigley Field." Sullivan noted it is "all about revenue." The Cubs would "increase TV ratings with more night games, which would in turn increase revenue" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/29). In addition to considering more night games, the Cubs will host three summer concerts at Wrigley Field, and Southport Neighbors Association President Jill Peters said, "They're showing bad faith and a total disregard to the needs of the community" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/29).

INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE: In Detroit, Jon Paul Morosi reported the Tigers received clearance from MLB to remove P Dontrelle Willis from the active roster and place him on the DL with an anxiety disorder. The Tigers "purchase disability insurance on long-term contracts, and it's believed they did so" when they signed Willis to a three-year, $29M contract extension in December '07. Insurance firm BWD Group Principal Marc Blumencranz said that baseball insurance policies "typically cover mental illnesses in addition to physical injuries," though he "cautioned that some policies contain mental illness exclusions" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/30).

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