The Nationals announced that backpacks “will not be permitted inside Nationals Park this season.” In DC, Scott Allen noted the policy goes into effect for the team’s exhibition game against the Yankees on March 25, and exceptions "may be made for backpack diaper bags and backpacks used for ADA or medical reasons.” Purses, briefcases, drawstring bags, diaper bags and soft-sided coolers are “still permitted.” Some fans on social media noted that the new policy will “make it more difficult for them to attend Nationals games coming straight from work.” Nationals VP/Public Safety & Security Scott Fear said that the franchise is “aware that many fans come to games on public transportation directly from work and bring a bag to carry clothes and laptops, which is one reason the team will continue to allow other types of bags” (WASHINGTON POST, 2/2).
DELAYED DECISION: In Boston, Alex Speier noted the Red Sox are “relieved that they made the decision" to push the slated Feb. 15 White House visit to May 9, during the team’s first trip of the year to Baltimore. The move to temporarily fund the government faces a Feb. 15 deadline. Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy said, “Talking to our players, I really hope it’s not going to be a divisive issue because it’s such a tight group. I think they each understand. Some players feel strongly that they want to go. Others feel strongly that they don’t want to go. That’s why from management and ownership, it’s not a mandatory thing.” It “remains unclear” whether Red Sox manager Alex Cora “will be among those in attendance” (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/1).
ANSWERED PRAYERS? In San Diego, Bryce Miller wrote under the header, “Padres Need To Make Statement By Signing Machado Or Harper.” Signing either player would be the moment the Padres can “show a grumbling fan base with the patience of craft beer-drinking saints that things truly are different.” There are plenty of Padres fans who “simply refuse to buy into this long organizational rebuild until they see the big spend on a truly big name” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/2).
LESS IS MORE: In Detroit, Anthony Fenech cited sources as saying that after wearing game caps with a larger Old English ‘D’ last season, the Tigers will “revert to a smaller logo” for ‘19. The logo, one of the "most iconic in professional sports, will not change.” But the size of the logo, which “did not resonate with the Tigers’ traditional generation of fans, will shrink to a size more consistent with the logo worn on game caps prior to last season” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 2/2).
