In Atlanta, Tim Tucker noted the Braves have “identified areas in SunTrust Park where they plan to sell standing-room-only tickets for the new ballpark’s first two regular-season games.” Braves President of Business Derek Schiller said that an “undetermined number of standing-room-only tickets for those games -- more than 1,000 per game” -- will go on sale April 10. He added that the Braves “anticipate selling standing-room-only tickets for any other games that sell out of seats this season.” Standing-room tickets “will cost $20” (AJC.com, 3/13).
SEA OF CHANGE: Mariners Chair & CEO John Stanton said this is a season where the team needs to "do whatever it takes to win." Appearing Friday on ESPN Radio 710 Seattle, Stanton said, “This season is special. It’s our 40th year. This is also the 16th season since we have been in the playoffs. This team has never been to the World Series." He added, “The difference between us making the playoffs, maybe the difference between 85 and 95 or between 90 and 100 is getting people in the ballpark. What do we need to do to get people in the ballpark?” Stanton, reflecting on the large number of Blue Jays fans who came to the see the teams play in September, said, “The series that I am passionate about is the Toronto series, dammit. We have got to get people in the ballpark" (SPORTS.MYNORTHWEST.com, 3/10).
STAYING STRONG: In N.Y. James Wagner wrote Mets GM Sandy Alderson remains "as dedicated as ever to his work" despite requiring medical tests "every four months to check if he remains cancer free.” Alderson has “regained the 25 pounds he lost during 20 weeks of chemotherapy and two surgeries.” At 69, Alderson is the oldest GM in MLB, a sport he “once described as a young person’s game.” But after 36 years in the sport, Alderson said that he has "no intention of stopping now, despite entering the final year of his contract with the Mets” (N.Y. TIMES, 3/11).
