In St. Louis, Jeremy Rutherford notes there was a "high level of frustration within the fan base when the Blues were unable to make any moves by Monday's trading deadline, mostly because of the team being for sale." But Blues President of Hockey Operations John Davidson "insists the ownership issues haven't affected the club's mindset." He said, "We have a budget and we adhere to the budget. The ownership part doesn't even reflect on hockey operations. Our players, our coaches, our management, we've just cared about that. If and when that type of thing gets done, that's awesome. But right now, there are no issues." Davidson added that the Blues' decision to "stand pat at the deadline, in part, had to do with maintaining the makeup of the roster" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 3/1).
FOCUSING ON THE TEAM: An L.A. TIMES editorial stated Dodgers fans are "already grousing that they won't go to the games or park" in the parking lots if outgoing team Owner Frank McCourt keeps them. But the editorial stated it is "important to stay focused on the main issue: to get the team under new, healthier management." The editorial: "For the fans, this shouldn't be about the real estate, it should be about the game." If McCourt can "effect a sale to an MLB-approved buyer without giving up the parking lots, good for him." But if every bidder is going to "walk away from the negotiating table because the land around the stadium isn't in play, or if the only bidders who will agree to buy the team without the lots can't survive MLB's scrutiny, then it's time for McCourt to reevaluate his selling terms" (L.A. TIMES, 2/29).
PLAN B: In Sacramento, Marcos Breton notes the "longer the feud grinds on" between the A's and the Giants over the A's attempt to relocate, the "more you wonder if the A's owners will simply give up and sell the team." They have "tried so hard to leave Oakland, they've alienated an already small fan base." But if MLB Commissioner Bud Selig "upholds the Giants' territorial rights and blocks an A's move to San Jose, Sacramento could rejoin the conversation." It is "just a pipe dream now, but if the A's are prevented from moving to San Jose," Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson "should pick up the phone" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 3/1).
CRACKING DOWN: In Houston, Jose de Jesus Ortiz wrote in part "because of the smoke bombs and a few obscenity bombs Dynamo supporters dropped during the playoffs, Major League Soccer has sanctioned the Dynamo’s supporter groups and withdrawn some exceptions MLS usually makes for supporters groups." Ortiz: "I’m all for having fun, but there’s no need for obscene language and gestures at soccer games. Knowing that the majority of the Dynamo supporters are classy individuals, I’m sure they’ll regain their rights in time. For now, though, it’s hard to argue with MLS’s decision" (CHRON.com, 2/27).
