The N.Y. POST reported David Einhorn "has all the bases covered in his new deal to buy a minority stake in the New York Mets, which is expected to be completed in the next two weeks." Einhorn "will likely collect interest on his five-year $100 million loan that could amount to more than $30 million, and get tax benefits from his $100 million investment in the team -- for a 17 percent stake -- since the Mets are on pace to lose $60 million this year." Those losses can "help offset taxes on his other personal investment gains" (N.Y. POST, 8/14). Meanwhile, in N.Y., Michael O'Keeffe reported lawyers for Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz "asked a federal judge to dismiss the $1 billion lawsuit filed by the trustee representing Bernie Madoff's victims, claiming in court papers filed Friday that the Mets owners did not know that Madoff was operating a Ponzi scheme and had no obligation to determine if he was a crook." The lawyers argued that returns from the Madoff accounts "are not fraudulent conveyances because Madoff had regularly sent the Mets owners statements that indicated he had made investments on their behalf." That means Madoff "owed them the money even if he did not make the investments" (NYDAILYNEWS.com, 8/13).
GIVING BACK: In L.A., Kevin Baxter wrote the D'Backs, Yankees and Tigers are "among baseball's leaders" in their communities. The D'Backs "have awarded more than $250,000 in season tickets and food vouchers to needy fans over the last four years," while the Yankees just recently concluded their annual HOPE Week charitable initiative. The Tigers and their management "work with more than 3,000 charitable organizations in two states and one Canadian province, refurbishing playgrounds, funding scholarships and helping to feed the homeless" (LATIMES.com, 8/13).
STAND UP AND CHEER: A ST. PETERSBURG TIMES editorial was written under the header, "With 'It Gets Better' Message, Rays Win Off The Field." The Rays, led by manager Joe Maddon, are "to be applauded for joining the 'It Gets Better' nationwide campaign to provide hope and comfort to teens victimized by anti-gay bullying" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 8/14).
GERMAN IMPORT: YAHOO SPORTS' David Brown noted Brewers P Zack Greinke pinch hit in Saturday's game against the Pirates "wearing the wrong uniform top." Greinke came to the plate with a jersey that read "Bierbrauer" instead of the usual "Brewers" top. The "Bierbrauer" jersey was slated to be worn yesterday "as a nod to southeastern Wisconsin's rich Deutschland heritage" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/14). ESPN's Rick Sutcliffe said, "You know what happened? The clubhouse kids put that up in his locker. He had no idea what he put on. He had no idea that he was going to pinch hit” (“Baseball Tonight,” ESPN, 8/14).
