In L.A., Bill Plaschke wrote the Dodgers' front office "did it again" by acquiring RF Curtis Granderson from the Mets on Friday night for "virtually nothing." This marks the third season President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and GM Farhan Zaidi have been with the team, and it is clear they "understand Dodgers fans' anguish." Plaschke: "This is all about a ring. That's what they're selling" (L.A. TIMES, 8/20). Meanwhile, on Long Island, David Lennon noted this season "represents a few steps backwards" for the Mets despite an Opening Day payroll of $155M. A "costly belly-flop of this degree is the type of thing that can lead to changes in the front office." However, the number of injuries this year gives Mets GM Sandy Alderson a "built-in excuse" (NEWSDAY, 8/20).
HOWLING WOLVES: T'Wolves CEO Ethan Casson said the team two weeks ago surpassed the "number of new season tickets that we sold all of last year." He said, "The response has been incredible. ... We're renewing at a higher percentage than we have for many years. All indicators and data points right now are suggesting incredible momentum and optimism" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/20).
A GAME OF JAX: NASL Jacksonville Armada Owner Robert Palmer said that the club's "attendance woes have become his main focus." The Armada drew a crowd of just 780 for Wednesday's loss to Puerto Rico FC, the "lowest in club history" and the lowest figure in NASL this season. Palmer said, "I want to give a more accurate picture to fans, to sponsors about how much engagement we really have. ... We're going to have a more transparent method for calculating attendance going forward" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 8/21).
