CBSSPORTS.com's Jon Heyman cited sources as saying that the Padres "appear to be focusing most closely" on Yankees Assistant GM Billy Eppler for their vacant GM position, and Eppler looks like the "probable front-runner now." Eppler previously was viewed as a "strong possibility but perhaps behind" Rangers Assistant GM A.J. Preller. A decision is "expected this week," and "could come as early as Wednesday" (CBSSPORTS.com, 8/4).
ALL ABOUT STEVE: Prospective Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer reiterated that there is "no chance he will eventually move the Clippers to Seattle." He added that he "hopes Seattle lands an NBA franchise," but he "figures it's still a few years away." In Seattle, Geoff Baker notes Ballmer "expressed regret at leaving the group fronted by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen that is trying to bring the NBA back to Seattle." But Ballmer said that the opportunity to buy the Clippers was "too big to pass up" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/5).
SUPPLY AND DEMAND: Nationals Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer Valerie Camillo said that the club has sold nearly 80% of its Lexus President's Club seats behind home plate at Nationals Park this year, which are "priced between $225 and $375." In DC, Thomas Heath noted the seats will "no longer be available to be redeemed for the loyalty points season ticket plan holders receive through a program called Red Carpet Rewards." Camillo said that because of the demand, the Nats are "adding 56 seats" to the club's seating area (WASHINGTON POST, 8/4).
GLOBAL TRADING: NBCSPORTS.com's Kyle Lynch asked of NYC FC, "Could the new franchise actually hurt the MLS?" Signings such as F David Villa and MF Frank Lampard give NYC FC "two of the most skilled players in the MLS, but also help Manchester City’s global holdings." If Man City has "ulterior motives for their own global brand and success in the Premier League, there is a problem." In a time when the MLS is "doing everything possible to keep American talent home, they have invited an outsider to come poach them away" (NBCSPORTS.com, 8/4).
