In Chicago, David Kaplan noted the city's two MLB clubs have taken "wildly different approaches" this winter. The White Sox have had "perhaps the best offseason of any team in the sport," while the Cubs have "regressed dramatically" following their 84-win '19 team that finished third in the NL Central. Although the Cubs had a "wildly successful" four-year run after being built from the ground up by President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and Exec VP & GM Jed Hoyer, they have had a "very subpar run" since winning the World Series in '16. There is "serious concern" the Cubs' championship window has "slammed shut" (NBCSPORTSCHICAGO.com, 1/5).
GOING BIG: PRO SOCCER USA's Mitchell Northam noted Atlanta United will offer fans a ticket package for six matches where the "top level of seating in Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open." Atlanta United has led MLS in attendance for the past three seasons and has drawn crowds "topping 70,000 people several times when it has opened the top level." Four of the six matches will be "televised nationally," with ESPN carrying one, FS1 picking up another and ABC broadcasting two. FS South will broadcast the other two games regionally (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 1/2).
LONDON CALLING: In Denver, Kyle Newman noted if Broncos President & CEO Joe Ellis "gets his wish," the team will be "headed to London next season" to take on the Falcons. Ellis said, "I hope we get the opportunity. I'm basically begging (the NFL) to get it because I think it'd be very good for us to play there." Ellis: "It's worthwhile for the club and the organization to go there, and it boosts your brand a little bit" (DENVER POST, 1/4).
