Pirates, Rays, White Sox, Dodgers

The Red Sox announced the passing of longtime executive Lou Gorman, who built Boston's 1986 American League Championship team. Our condolences to Gorman's family and friends. Here are this afternoon's links...

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette challenges Pirates leaders to change the perception that the team is focused on profit, destined never to compete.
Cork Gaines of Rays Index shows that the Rays' payroll dropped 41.7% from last year, all the way down to $41.9MM. The Rays committed $12.6MM to Wade Davis yesterday, an especially substantial investment for a team on such a limited budget.
White Sox director of international scouting Jerry Krause is stepping down to join the Diamondbacks, according Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. The former Chicago Bulls GM will assist Arizana executive Jerry DiPoto.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports says the Dodgers can overcome surrounding distractions to become a playoff team in 2011. In fact, he predicts an NL West title for the Dodgers.

Phillies Tickets Alert

Phillies Tickets Alert:Demand for tickets for the Phillies is greater than ever before, it is pitching-list line-up 7372 square meters of new HD jumbotron (highest in the National League), and the most awesome mascot in all sports.

To this end, we are looking for you: Better safe than sorry. You should seriously consider buying your tickets now and not wait until the season starts, because by all accounts Phillies tickets were sold, and much in advance.

In fact, the Phillies are currently sold out season tickets for 2011, but the Phillies three game package, and six levels of play only nineteen to date, 16 February is a good way to secure tickets for the hottest games for years.

Then I'll start tomorrow morning at 8:30, one-game tickets go on sale 78 home games, all but the opening day (already sold), and three Red Sox games in late June (sold only as part of the game 6 Pack).