In Denver, Patrick Saunders notes the Rockies' payroll this season was a franchise-high $156.6M, but Owner Dick Monfort "made it clear the Rockies don't plan to significantly increase the payroll next season, noting that a new, more lucrative TV deal with AT&T SportsNet won't kick in" until '21. Monfort said, "Revenues pass right through to the payroll, and I think we've proven that over time. It doesn't start until 2021, so there's no additional money next year. So I don't think there's going to be any huge splashes (in free agency)" (DENVER POST, 10/2).
NOW OR NEVER: In Toronto, Gregor Chisholm writes the Blue Jays' management group of President & CEO Mark Shapiro and Exec VP/Baseball Operations & GM Ross Atkins is "entering its most important off-season to date." The Blue Jays "don't need to become contenders overnight, but there must be some noticeable gains over the next few months." The clock "doesn't start next year, it's already begun ticking." Shapiro and Atkins are "entering the final season of their contracts," and "without a long-term commitment from ownership, the pressure is on to make sometime happen soon" (TORONTO STAR, 10/2).
GIVING PAUSE: In L.A., Jorge Castillo noted Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman "isn't under contract" for '20, as his five-year deal "expires after this season." Friedman "would like to return," but "something is holding up an agreement." Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten "emphasized he was 'pretty confident' Friedman would remain with the organization." Kasten: "I love him, I think he's done a great job, expect him to be here for a long time" (L.A. TIMES, 9/29).
