In L.A., Dylan Hernandez cited a source as saying that the Dodgers are "seeking compliance" with MLB's debt service rule as the team looks to "hold their payroll" under the $197M luxury-tax threshold. Going over "could result in failure to comply with the rule, which is designed to ensure teams generate enough revenue to cover designated percentages of their debt, with latitude given to clubs that have financed" ballpark construction or renovation projects in recent years. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred can "take action against violators." What this means is the franchise that "bought whatever it wanted in its first six years under Guggenheim Baseball Management will have to exercise restraint" (L.A. TIMES, 1/18).
SALUTE TO SERVICE: In Annapolis, Bill Wagner reported the Capitals will "wear special edition uniforms" for an outdoor game against the Maple Leafs on March 3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The most "distinctive element of the uniform is the predominately Navy blue color scheme." It marks the "first time in Capitals history the team will wear Navy blue jerseys and pants" (Annapolis CAPITAL GAZETTE, 1/18).
SILENCE IS GOLDEN: In Charlotte, Tom Sorensen wrote of new NFL Panthers COO Tina Becker, "To run one of the region's best-known entities, but not to be known, is a heck of a trick." By trick, it is not to say there is "anything underhanded about it." Becker "apparently neither wants nor requires attention." Sorensen: "As the sale of the Panthers becomes imminent, we'll meet her" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/18).
