On Long Island, Steven Marcus cites a source as saying that negotiations to sell the Islanders to Philadelphia-based hedge fund manager Andrew Barroway "have ceased." The source said that the talks with Barroway are "not expected to resume." There also is "no indication if other potential buyers have emerged." An Islanders spokesperson yesterday said that "nothing had changed" since March 28. Team Owner Charles Wang in March said there had been "numerous expressions of interest," in the team, adding he has "been and remain willing to listen" (NEWSDAY, 8/6).
THE WAYBACK MACHINE: ESPN DALLAS' Calvin Watkins reported the MLB Rangers on Aug. 24 host the Royals and will "offer special prices in honor of the 20th anniversary of Globe Life Park in Arlington." Upper reserved tickets "will be $9 and club terrace tickets will be $18." Nachos "will cost $3.50, jumbo hot dogs $2.75 and a 24-ounce soda will go for $2.75." Adults 21 and older will "receive one voucher for a 16-ounce draught beer" for the '94 price of $3.50 (ESPNDALLAS.com, 8/5).
THE GNOME PLATE CLUB: In DC, Martin Weil notes last night's garden gnome giveaway at Nationals Park "made for a crowded night in the Metro system" with fans "desirous of getting their gnomes." The Nationals said that "all 25,000 gnomes had been handed out" by 6:15pm ET, "almost an hour before game time." A Metro spokesperson said that crowds "were heavy" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/6).