The Last Links Before Christmas

I’ll provide you with some more linkage before I get ready for the big Fang’s Bites Christmas get together with family and friends in Central Massachusetts. It’s bigger than normal and I don’t look forward to it as it’s more of a pain than anything else, but it’s always good to see cousins and relatives every year.

As I listen to my iPod play Social Distortion’s Ball and Chain, I’ll give you the last links before Christmas comes along.

Newsday’s Neil Best has some interesting quotes from a sports consultant who has worked for the Yankees regarding the team’s recent free agent spending spree. Neil breaks news that Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman adds another feather to his proverbial cap as the “Insider” for the MLB Network.

SI.com picks up an AP story on the MLB Network launch.

Maury Brown of the Biz of Baseball has some channel assignment information for the new MLB Network. And Maury reports that the New York Times Company is looking to sell its 17% share of the Boston Red Sox.

Over to Maury’s Biz of Hockey blog where we learn that McDonald’s has signed a sponsorship deal with the NHL.

Ed Sherman from Crain’s Chicago Business says Monday night’s Packers-Bears game drew big ratings in the City of the Big Shoulders. Ed writes that NBC Sports is bringing in the big talent for the NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day. And Ed says demand is high for tickets for the Winter Classic.

The Oregonian reports that FSN Northwest is picking up six Western Hockey League games starting in January.

Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette writes that a local radio station picks up the Celtics-Lakers game on Christmas Day.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News anticipates the renewal of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry on Christmas Day.

Michael Lee of the Washington Post writes that the NBA is trying to show that it owns the Christmas holiday.

Also from the Post, veteran DC sportscaster George Michael has decided to end a 28 year association with WRC after the station asked him to cut costs on the interview programs he hosts.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News writes that perhaps every NBA team will play on Christmas Day. Barry also weaves a baseball tale related to Neil Best’s post on the Yankees spending spree. If I had a nickle and a dime for the times I’ve counted Barry and Neil linking to each other, I swear I could bailout the auto industry by now.

Roger van der Horst of the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer raises an interesting discussion on the double standard on the reaction to the snow angel TD celebration by New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker.

The Sports Media Watch says Sunday night’s Panthers-Giants game was a winner for NBC. And the SMW looks at the primetime ratings for NFL Week 16.

The Associated Press says the NFL took the top 2 spots in last week’s cable primetime ratings.

The story of the multiple logo 30 second Super Bowl spot won’t go away. Wayne Friedman of Mediapost writes that the ad agency that proposed the idea, only to have it shot down by NBC is now threatening legal action.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal says the local area will be showcased in the Outback Bowl Preview Show to air on ESPNU.

ESPN has settled a trademark violation lawsuit put forth by clothing manufacturer Quicksilver, Inc.

That’s going to do it. Have a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you on the backside.

Arrow to top