MLB executives are starting to consider the idea of holding the World Series at a pre-determined site, where weather can’t cause problems.
The objective would be to prevent a recurrence of the most recent Series, where cold and wet conditions in Detroit and St. Louis interfered with what might otherwise have been an entertaining Series between the Tigers and Cardinals.
“It was an unspeakably bad Series, the TV ratings were disastrous and the games left a bad taste in the fans’ mouths,” an MLB exec told Metro yesterday. “A game was postponed because of the weather, upsetting many. That isn’t necessary nowadays. Maybe it’s time to prevent our showcase event from being affected by inclement weather.”
Former St. Louis shortstop Ozzie Smith, a Hall of Famer, told a national radio audience he’s heard of plans to tinker with the World Series.
“There will be some formal discussion of playing in a neutral site, like the Super Bowl,” Smith said, “where you can be assured the weather will be good.”
• The Senators and Canucks are talking trade. Brendan Morrison and his $3.2-million US salary could be sent from Vancouver to Ottawa. There’s also talk that the Sens must improve soon or coach Bryan Murray will be out.
Other NHL coaches in similar positions are Phoenix’s Wayne Gretzky (who would be bumped upstairs or might even come back as a player), Chicago’s Trent Yawney, Columbus’ Gerard Gallant, Calgary’s Larry Playfair and St. Louis’ Mike Kitchen.
• Former NBA luminary Michael Jordan hates to lose, but he dropped more than $1- million at the blackjack tables last weekend, according to the Las Vegas Review- Journal. And that wasn’t exactly the first time he’s gambled away big bucks … The rumour is that Kevin Garnett is rumbling and will exercise the escape clause in his Minnesota contract to jump to the Lakers next season. Garnett has a California home … Allen Iverson and the 76ers have jumped off to a quick start, which means increased marketability. Word is Philadelphia owner Ed Snider would like to sell his club ASAP.
• Ricky Williams has told a U.S. publication (even though he swears he’s not talking to U.S. reporters) that he will consider returning to the Argonauts next season, but his agent has told The Miami Herald the running back plans to resurface with the Dolphins next season, where he can collect the $670,000 US remaining on his contract. Leigh Steinberg also mentioned that Williams plans to co-author a book on his life. Hey, the man needs money. That can happen when you have certain habits and a lot of kids.
• Marty York’s column appears Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
