In N.Y., Bob Raissman writes the Mets currently have a more "compelling TV property headed into the regular season" than the Yankees. Things "have been turned upside down," and with "expectations raised, the Mets are walking the high wire without a safety net." Raissman: "Until further notice, the Yankees are officially bland." Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez this spring has "kept his foot out of his mouth," and other key members of the team are the "charismatic equivalents of vanilla beans" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/27).
TURNING THE CORNER: Turner Broadcasting President David Levy said of the ceiling for premium sports rights, "Consumption of media is completely changing in this market, probably at a pace none of us anticipated. ... We're not a 24-hour sports channel -- I don't need filler. We're focused on premium sports properties that are going to drive subscription rates for our brands. It's a supply-and-demand business. No one knows where the tipping point will be" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 4/10 issue).
TAKE A LETTER, MARIA: Tennis player Maria Sharapova on Thursday announced the launch of her official app, designed to deliver exclusive content. The app will offer personal videos and images; live chats with fans; live streaming video during her worldwide travels; text and voice messages; and live scores from Sharapova's matches. It is available for free download on Apple and Android platforms, with early content including a live stream of Thursday's Miami Open post-match press conference (THE DAILY).
SPRING IN THEIR STEPS: FS Southwest "kicks off its spring football coverage with a live telecast" of Texas Tech's game at 11:00am CT Saturday from Grande Communications Stadium in Midland, Texas. Oklahoma's spring game at 2:00pm on April 11 "also will be telecast live and will include a one-hour 'OU Sooner Sports Gameday' pregame show" (NEWSOK.com, 3/26). Meanwhile, Auburn's spring game "will not be available live on national television as many had expected." The April 18 game will be "streamed live online via SEC Network+, an offshoot of the SEC Network that is available only on the watchESPN app" (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 3/27).
