In Toronto, Cathal Kelly writes under the header, "Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos Is Testing The Fans' Patience." Anthopoulos "sold fans on the idea of a measured rise," and the "expectation grew that Anthopoulos could think his way into playoff baseball." But there are "practical limits to that sort of team building," and Anthopoulos has "begun butting up against them this off-season." He is "drifting out there all by himself without any backup from his employers." Blue Jays Owner Rogers Communications is "putting the financial shackles on him, and he’s the one left to explain it to people" (TORONTO STAR, 1/17).
TIME TO LET GO? YAHOO SPORTS' Jeff Passan noted "pressure is mounting" for the financially strapped Mets, and "more bills are coming due." A source said that MLB is "likely to let the creditors' squeeze force [Owner Fred] Wilpon into considering selling, which isn't exactly imminent -- and could set the franchise back even more." Passan: "If Wilpon wanted what was best for the Mets, he'd sell now and give the club a chance to avoid the wrecking ball barreling toward him. Instead, this is about him and his family and their team, and so he olés the wrecking ball, knowing its target is the team onto which he so desperately wants to hold" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/16).
THE ROYAL TIME: In K.C., Rustin Dodd reported the Royals yesterday "unveiled their slogan/tagline for 2012 -- 'Our Time' -- which is, according to the club, supposed to highlight the young team and the upcoming" MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium. Dodd: "If you believe that simpler slogans -- with more direct messages -- are generally more effective, well, then this is probably an improvement over last year's tagline, 'Major League Moments'" (KANSASCITY.com, 1/16).
STRAIGHT FROM THE RUNWAY: YAHOO SPORTS' Kevin Kaduk noted the "cat's out of the proverbial equipment bag" regarding the Braves' alternate jerseys for the upcoming season. Sports apparel website OnTheField.com posted images of the team's new jersey for sale. The "cream-colored tops are receiving a lot more positive attention than the Miami Marlins did." Kaduk: "And rightfully so, because they are certainly pleasing to the eye." What "makes these uniforms attractive is that they're not a huge departure from what they wear now" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/16).
