In N.Y., Mike Puma writes the "shadow of an ownership change looms over the Mets' managerial search." A source said that there has been "some level of paralysis in the Mets front office on how to proceed" after Carlos Beltran's departure. At issue is Steve Cohen's "impending majority ownership takeover and how the managerial hire" by Mets Exec VP & GM Brodie Van Wagenen and his staff "will be perceived by Cohen." The source said that there is "concern that if the Mets hire somebody who wasn't originally considered for the job, it will look bad to Cohen, reflecting poorly on a front office that will be in limbo once the ownership transfer is complete." It is expected Cohen will "use this situation as a barometer in determining the front office's mettle and aptitude" (N.Y. POST, 1/21).
CAUSE & EFFECT: The Red Sox slightly increased ticket prices at the end of the '19 season, and last week President & CEO Sam Kennedy said that the team "anticipated a slight decrease in ticket sales" heading into this season. Kennedy: "We'll see after we go on sale with our individual game tickets as we lead into the end of January. We'll have more info on that as we get into spring training in terms of comparing year over year" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/18).
STAYING UNDER WRAPS: In Pittsburgh, John Perrotto reported the first class of the Pirates' HOF will be announced "later this year, at a date to be determined." Details are few, aside that former TV announcer Steve Blass "will be in the inaugural class, and the plaques of the inductees will be hung somewhere in PNC Park" (TRIBLIVE.com, 1/20).
