Padres President & CEO Tom Garfinkel said that he "deeply regretted" making a reference to Dodgers P Zack Greinke's social-anxiety disorder in a recent talk with Padres season-ticket holders. YAHOO SPORTS' Jeff Passan reports Garfinkel yesterday "apologized" to Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten and "extended the same to Greinke." Garfinkel in the talk on Friday "outlined the festering history between" Greinke and Padres LF Carlos Quentin and "concluded the fastball that hit Quentin's arm was deliberate despite Greinke's claims otherwise." Garfinkel said, "He threw at him on purpose, OK? ... Zack Greinke is a different kind of guy. Anyone seen 'Rain Man'? He's a very smart guy." Garfinkel said yesterday, "I was emotional the day after the game and regrettably, while defending our player, I said some things I shouldn't have, especially as it relates to Zack Greinke. I was out of line and I apologize" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 4/18).
LOST AT SEA: In Seattle, Nick Eaton noted the Mariners' average attendance of 19,324 is "the worst it's been since 1990." While it is "too early in the 2013 season to make any conclusions" as last night's game against the Tigers was the ninth home game of the year, "what we’re seeing this April is part of a continuing downward trend in the number of people who go see the Mariners play live." Mariners attendance with the exception of '07 has "dropped each season" since '02. But what is "notable is just how few people are going to Safeco now." If the attendance "confirms nothing else, it shows Seattleites are losing interest -- or, at least, patience" (SEATTLEPI.com, 4/17).
FAIR PLAY: In San Jose, Elliott Almond reports the MLS Earthquakes are "teaming with the You Can Play Project that supports equality in sports in response" to F Alan Gordon's "anti-gay remark during last weekend's game" at the Timbers. Gordon received a three-game suspension Tuesday "for his derogatory comment" to Timbers MF Will Johnson. Gordon "apologized for his action after the game and has since said his comment was despicable" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/18).
SKY'S THE LIMIT: ESPNW.com's Sarah Spain wrote WNBA Chicago Sky F Elena Delle Donne will "certainly help bring new fans out to Sky games, but it will take more than just a promising new star to keep them." The Sky "need to fight the stereotypes that plague the WNBA." One "big help would be to continue to woo other professional athletes." The team "benefits greatly when big-name male athletes who are in Chicago for the summer head out to Sky games." Hearing prominent male athletes "speak to the talent, drive and hard work of the women's players helps convince doubters to give the team a shot." Sky VP/Operations Michelle Henstock said, "Their opinions and their thoughts really lend credibility" (ESPNW.com, 4/17).
