In Philadelphia, Scott Lauber wrote the Phillies are "biding their time" this offseason, a "curious strategy for a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season" since '11. But it is "probably wise at this point to keep waiting," assuming Phillies VP & GM Matt Klentak has "read the market correctly." The Phillies are "flush with cash and poised to spend" it whenever Bryce Harper and Manny Machado's agents are "ready to engage." If Harper and Machado "want the biggest payday, the Phillies can provide it." If the market "suddenly expands, they can always kick in some extra cash" (PHILLY.com, 1/28).
COMING UP SHORT: In Minneapolis, Michael Rand notes Twins officials have "long said that their aim" is to have 50% of revenue "going toward payroll." In reality, it has "often fallen short," as in each of the last seven years the Twins were under 50%. That "doesn't make the Twins unique," and in fact "makes them average." But it does "suggest the problem is more systemic than specific to one team." The "disincentive to spend, combined with a salary structure that underpays players early in their careers," is set up in "favor of the owners not the players" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/30).
BROWNIE POINTS: In San Diego, Tom Krasovic wrote, "Congratulations to Padres bosses for reintroducing brown into the team’s uniform, cap and logos." It was "smart to seize" the opportunity because brown is "unique to the 30-team palette" of MLB. The Padres now can "create a funky niche within a baseball gallery saturated with shades of blue and red." The team is "adopting brown without it smelling of gimmick, because the color is a big part of their heritage" (SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.com, 1/29).
CAPTAIN PLANET: The Yankees hired Dr. Allen Hershkowitz to the new role of Environmental Science Advisor. Hershkowitz will seek to guide a number of new and existing environmental initiatives for the Yankees and Yankee Stadium (Yankees). YAHOO SPORTS' Mike Oz wrote while the position is the first of its type in professional sports, it is "certainly not the first move of its type by sports teams to either be more environmentally friendly or get a little green" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/29).
