In N.Y., John Harper writes this offseason for the Yankees "figures to provide plenty of ammunition to formulate an answer" as to whether Managing General Partner & co-Chair Hal Steinbrenner "cares more about making money than winning." Harper: "In at least a couple of obvious ways, in fact, it looms as a referendum on Hal’s priorities as an owner and perhaps his vision for the Yankees’ future. Will he stick to the goal of getting under $189 million for 2014, even if it makes serious contention for a championship unlikely? ... Will he pay what it takes to re-sign [2B] Robinson Cano, the Yankees’ only star?" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 10/3).
GIVING THANKS: In Boston, Julian Benbow notes the Red Sox yesterday opened their intrasquad scrimmage to fans "free of charge." Fans were "scattered throughout the red seats in the lower seating areas" at Fenway Park. The gesture was "another act of good will toward a fan base that was loyal but, in recent years, tested." Red Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks said, "It's hard to get tickets to our games. Most of our games are sold out for the most part, and they can get expensive. So it's a good opportunity for people who haven't had an opportunity to come to the games to get up here" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/3).
ALTERNATE IDENTITY: In California, Dan Woike noted the Clippers "finally showed off their new alternate uniforms Monday, as players modeled the new, short-sleeved 'Back in Blue' jersey." The Clippers will wear the jersey "for the first time this preseason" on Oct. 14 against the Nuggets. The light blue color is a "tribute to the team's time in San Diego, and the shorts feature the nautical flags for the letters 'L' 'A' 'C.'" The franchise also "had light blue uniforms when the team was known as the Buffalo Braves" (OCREGISTER.com, 9/30).
