In San Jose, Kerry Crowley wrote the MLB Giants have a "roster to overhaul, money to spend and big-picture questions about the future of the team to consider," but until the franchise "hires a new leader of its baseball operations department, don't expect any significant decisions to be made." Giants President & CEO Larry Baer, Exec VP/Baseball Operations Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy all "didn't want to speculate about the future because so much will soon change." Baer said that he does not expect to use a search firm to assist in replacing GM Bobby Evans. Baer said, "We may have some firm help with the logistics but I think it's going to be predominantly, a lot of years in the game in this room" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 10/1).
DIGITAL BLUES: In St. Louis, Ben Frederickson reported the Blues have "moved to a '100 percent mobile ticketing experience,'" which will "challenge older folks who have a hard time online." The Blues "insist they want those who are having trouble to contact the team." The team plans on "having employees stationed at the doors to make the process as easy as possible." Fans can still "go the will-call route" if they "refuse to comply" with the mobile tickets. The Blues said that they are "willing to work with fans who need alternative options," and that the "earlier fans reach out to the team, the better." In an "ideal world, this eliminates ticket scams and cuts cost" for the team (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/30).
TEAM PLAYER: In Boston, Christopher Price noted the Patriots recently "held their elections for union reps," and WR Matthew Slater was "voted as primary representative," while S Devin McCourty, LS Joe Cardona and G Ted Karras were elected as alternates. For Slater, it is the "eighth consecutive year he's been involved in the union, which makes him one of the longest-tenured team reps in the league" (BOSTONSPORTSJOURNAL.com, 9/29).
