In Las Vegas, Michael Gehlken notes the Raiders are "considering both joint practices" with the Rams and a "preseason game in Canada against a second team." The Raiders already will "travel abroad for an allotted home game this regular season," as they play the Bears in London. Sources said that adding an exhibition game in Canada would "count as a home game if finalized." A team source said that Mosaic Stadium in Regina, home of the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, is a possibility, although "no contact between the Raiders and Canadian officials is complete at this time" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 3/5).
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM: The signing of RF Bryce Harper "pushed the Phillies from 13th to sixth" in terms of payroll for this season. The Phillies are still $18M "under the tax threshold," which leaves them a "lot of flexibility if they want to add a player at the trade deadline." It will be "interesting to see" if Managing Partner John Middleton is "willing to go over that tax threshold one day." Regardless, the narrative that "sometimes arises about the Phillies' being cheap can be laid to rest once again" (PHILLY.com, 3/4).
FACING OFF FOR A GOOD CAUSE: The Revolution and EPL club Chelsea will "play a charity match" on May 15 at Gillette Stadium. Proceeds from the match, dubbed the "Final Whistle on Hate," will be "dedicated to initiatives to combat anti-Semitism and all hate crimes, including the World Jewish Congress, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Holocaust Educational Trust." Revs Owner Robert Kraft and Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich will donate $1M each in "support of the cause" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/5).
