In Tacoma, Andrew Hammond notes MLB cleared the Mariners of "any wrongdoing after completing an investigation into the firing" of former Dir of High Performance Lorena Martin. Martin "accused some in the Mariners organization of making derogatory and inappropriate comments," claims the club denied. The investigation was conducted by Epstein Becker Green, whose lawyers "interviewed 17 potential witnesses, including Martin." Martin has "filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the team" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 2/7).
UNIFIED FRONT: In Philadelphia, Bob Brookover noted the Phillies have "declined to make a public statement" regarding a report that manager Gabe Kapler mishandled an alleged assault in '15 while working in the Dodgers front office. However, a source said that the team "continues to support Kapler fully and does not believe he conspired in a cover-up." It is "possible that nothing comes of all this, but it does not look good for Kapler or the Phillies when his name surfaces in such seedy matters." Kapler "does at least know he has the full support of the team that employs him" (PHILLY.com, 2/4).
chicago sun-times
CLOUDY DAYS IN CHICAGO: In Chicago, Rick Morrissey notes the Cubs "no longer are the organization that sows fun," the latest reminder coming from Joe Ricketts' racist emails. The Cubs in recent years have had a "string of unpleasantries," including the '16 trade for P Aroldis Chapman and the "decision this offseason to stand by" SS Addison Russell. Both players had been linked to reports of domestic violence. The team is "not as fan-friendly as they’ve painted themselves." Team officials "present the franchise as something distinct, as something noble, as something better." With evidence "pouring in to the contrary, they should probably stop that" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 2/7).
SLOGAN TIME: The Astros announced "Take It Back" is their motto for the '19 season, and the "pressure is on" for a franchise that lost in the ALCS last year following its '17 World Series title. Spring Training "gets underway next week, and the goal is clear: Win another championship" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/7)....The Royals "unofficially kicked off their season with the unveiling of the team’s slogan for 2019: Always Royal." The team announced the slogan with a "commercial that aired Sunday before Super Bowl LIII" (K.C. STAR, 2/5).
