Red Sox Chair Tom Werner and Owner John Henry on Friday said that they plan to "own the team well into the future," according to Peter Abraham of the BOSTON GLOBE. Werner said, "We hope to be healthy and focused for a long, long time" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/18). In Boston, Evan Drellich noted this year marks the 15th anniversary since Henry and Werner bought the team. Werner: "This is ... not something we're going to be contemplating, and hopefully we'll be having these conversations (with media) in 10 or 15 more years." He added, "We were cocky when we came in and we said we would win multiple World Series. We certainly experienced the pain of not doing the job and the joy of winning" (BOSTON HERALD, 2/18). In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy wrote Werner and Henry's press conference was "positively positive" and "dull." Werner was "front and center with Henry at this annual press conference, handling half the questions." He repeated that the Red Sox "wanted to be under the luxury-tax threshold this season, but reminded us that 'revenue sharing is the bigger issue.'" Henry said, "I know every few years we have to swat down rumors that we are perhaps sellers, but ... we talk about how long we may do this, not when should we stop" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/18). In Boston, Steve Buckley wrote under the header, "Let's Hope The Ownership Stability Of John Henry And Tom Werner Continues For A While Longer." Henry and Werner have "been outstanding owners." However, they could "cash out now," which they "probably should" from a financial standpoint (BOSTON HERALD, 2/18).
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Henry said that ownership "doesn't feel a need to even consider" a new ballpark. He said Fenway Park is "built to last for the next at least 30 years, if not 50 years." Henry: "I don't think we'll see a lot of changes." However, the GLOBE's Abraham noted what "could change is the area around Fenway." The Red Sox "own several properties in the neighborhood that could be used for team-related purposes." Henry said, "You'll see probably more changes outside the ballpark. Substantive, big changes." Werner: "We might move our offices outside of Fenway Park" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/18).
IS LESS MORE? Abraham noted Werner "believes baseball could change the length and placement of commercial breaks for televised games." Werner: "I'd be for less commercial breaks. I think that increases the ratings. I think that's a good idea" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/18). Werner said, "We always look at the changes that are made in football. They seem to make changes every year. Nobody says, 'Oh my God, the game's terrible.' The fact is, we are always looking to make the game more crisp." He added, "We're focused on how to shorten the amount of time for an instant replay. Nobody would call it instant right now" (BOSTON HERALD, 2/18).
