Populous? I guess there are a lot of us. This is what happens when you replace proofreaders with electronic spell checkers.

I don't understand why Rogers doesn't buy the building. They can call it whatever they want; Rogers SkyDome would be palatable, even for that portion of the general populace that can spell. Then, if the hockey/basketball people ever decide to consolidate their empire, the Dome ownership group won't be an obstacle.

I don't understand why Rogers doesn't buy the building.

There seems to be a lot of friction between Rogers/The Jays and Sportsco. This is the only reason I can imagine Rogers hasn't bought it already. It would surely make the Jays a much more valuable commodity.

From the Globe and Mail report:

There is speculation that the formal search for naming rights might be little more than a shot across the bow in the tenuous relationship between Sportsco and the Blue Jays, who were purchased by Rogers in September, 2000. The two sides are bound together by a complex and often unworkable lease arrangement, and that has made it difficult for any serious progress on negotiations for Rogers' purchase of the SkyDome.

Sportsco should cut its losses and get outta town.

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I wish they'd just auction off the naming rights on eBay. It might be fun to bid on. I'd call it Freddie Mercury Memorial Stadium. I think it'd be great to make the Argos play in a stadium named after the lead singer of Queen.

In bigger news, Baseball Prospectus is reporting that Pete Rose and Major League Baseball have reached an agreement that would allow him to return to baseball in 2004.

Mike

I think the BP thing on Rose is a joke. Zumsteg's pretty adament about Rose continuing to be banned, and I assume Carroll has just as strong as opinion on the matter.

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It is really strange, considering that:

1. Since when does BP scoop anybody let alone everybody?
2. Why is nobody else picking up on this?

So that would lead me to believe it is a joke as well. Except that it's not April 1st, the piece isn't particularly funny, and if it is, it could totally ruin their cred.

It should be interesting to see how it shakes out in the next few days.

Mike

if it is, it could totally ruin their cred.

That's why I think it's for real... well, not "it" but "they", meaning Prospectus. I assume someone has fed them misinformation (but if so, WHERE did they get confirmation!?) or they really have a scoop.

It might be one last laugh from a dying website, but even though BP can't possibly have very many subscribers left, I can't imagine them folding shop. They have a very successful cross-promoted book.

No one, though, will ever believe another word out of BP ever again if they are making it up.

It might be one last laugh from a dying website, but even though BP can't possibly have very many subscribers left

Are they really doing that poorly? If the worst happens, I don't think they'll fold, they'll just offer free content again. The site generates interest for the book.

even though BP can't possibly have very many subscribers left

The subscriptions are for a year, so I can't imagine how they'd be decreasing. It's possible it was low to begin with though.

I subscribe and I'm satisfied with it.

I get the impression that the animosity between SportsCo and the Jays isn't just a business matter; seems like there's so much water under the bridge that the relationship is pretty sour. It's a shame, because I'm sure both sides could be (a) happier and (b) richer if they could work out a way to resolve their differences, either by sale or by partnership. This naming rights thing could well bring it to a head, especially if SportsCo takes the highest bid and the Blue Jays end up playing their home games at Stayfree MaxiPad Dome.

I like to think that if the team owned the Skydome, we'd be treated to a better overall entertainment venue, starting with ejecting the dugout dancers. I also feel like asking the "organist" if he knows any refrains other than the Addams Family theme and "Charge!" Something written in the last 40 years would be nice. But then again, the team's idea of good marketing is to dress Chris Woodward up like a Mountie. Yeah, that's original.

Speaking of music at the ballpark, if I were the Jays, I'd auction or raffle off the music rights for each ballplayer. Get fans to pay $5 a ticket for the chance to decide what music Eric Hinske will hear as he strides to the plate, proceeds go to charity. The players no doubt would object, but on this one, the players can bite me. Choosing their own at-bat music is at or near the zenith of vanity, and it could be a real crowd-pleaser to let fans pick the music. Me, I'd have every one of these guys batting with The Alan Parsosn Project or the Pet Shop Boys ringing in their ears. Or have an '80s Cancon Flashback Night: the players can bat to the strains of Frozen Ghost, Gino Vanelli, Honeymoon Suite and Alannah Myles. On behalf of everyone here, I'd program Corey's Hart's "Boy in the (Batter's) Box."

I'd be really happy to see the Jays play in the TacoDome or some other ridiculously-renamed version of SkyDome. It's not that great a name in the first place, and the funnier the name, the happier I'll be.

Speaking of music at the ballpark, if I were the Jays, I'd auction or raffle off the music rights for each ballplayer.

I'd pick "Release Me" for whenever a Jays reliever entered the game.

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Speaking of music at the ballpark, if I were the Jays, I'd auction or raffle off the music rights for each ballplayer.

I'd rather see the Jays auction off the music rights for each opposing ballplayer. I want to see Manny Ramirez stride up to the plate whil Why Can't We Be Friends blares in the background or When I'm 64 when Jesse Orosco comes in from the bullpen.

Imagine all the fun we can have with Al Martin.

Mike

Pistol, that may be the case. I know one other person who subscribes, he is pleased with it generally but finds the price steep. My understanding is that they have at least several hundred subscribers; I'm not sure how many are going to re-up at another $45 Canadian or whatever it is.

especially if SportsCo takes the highest bid and the Blue Jays end up playing their home games at Stayfree MaxiPad Dome

The upper of the two roof pieces looks *exactly* like a sanitary pad. I think we have a cross-promotional winner, folks!

But then again, the team's idea of good marketing is to dress Chris Woodward up like a Mountie. Yeah, that's original.

Hey, I had never before seen a psychedelic dream sequence in a baseball ad before. I'd say that it's original.

I'd love to hear the "Saber Dance" playing when the Jays take the field.

Is it too much to ask for Tim Hortons to somehow get involved here? Surely I've spent $3.9MM there in my lifetime. Double Double Dome anyone?

Mike Moffatt and Jordan both have truly excellent ideas, so I propose a synthesis: Pick the song for the opposing hitter, and it has to be Canadian.

Nomar, meet Sass. Sass, meet Nomar.

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Mike Moffatt and Jordan both have truly excellent ideas

Jeez, now there's something I never thought I'd hear you say, Mike. :)

I'll let you in on a dark secret: I have a picture of Darryl Sittler in my bedroom (in a Leaf uni playing against the Blues), which grants me great insights.

I like the idea the music has to be Canadian. How about The King of Bedside Manor by the Barkenaked Ladies whenever Al Martin comes to the plate.

Mike

Hey, Mike, I often think you have great ideas. It must be #27 on your wall.

To whatever extent we disagree, I'm sure it's because I subconsciously resent you for your favourite hockey team stealing Gary Leeman from the Leafs in a one-sided trade...heh, heh.

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To whatever extent we disagree, I'm sure it's because I subconsciously resent you for your favourite hockey team stealing Gary Leeman from the Leafs in a one-sided trade...heh, heh.

I still remember that day really well. I first heard the trade as Leeman for Gilmour and I was pretty upset, even though at the time I was really annoyed with Gilmour. Then I found out that they gave up a couple of steady defensemen in Macoun and Natress, Wamsley who I didn't really care much about, and a recent first round pick in Manderville and got four scrubs in return (well Petit wasn't bad) I thought I was going to cry.

Whenever I hear the name Alex Godynyuk, I feel like a BoSox fan hearing the name Bucky Dent.

The scary thing is that it was probably only the 2nd best deal the Leafs made that decade. Sundin, Butcher and Warriner for Clark, Lefebvre, and Wilson was a bigger heist. Although the Leafs have been Satan's hockey team since December 29, 1979, you have to be impressed by those deals.

Mike

\Although the Leafs have been Satan's hockey team since December 29, 1979\

How can that be? Satan's only been in the league since 1995 and he's never played for Toronto.

:-)

Actually, Mike, you're a bit confused on the dates. The Leafs have been officially indebted to the Prince of Darkness since the second overtime on April 25, 1967.

At least, since the debt was never cleared, the Leafs are assured to never again win the Stanley Cup.

Three points from Jim Pappin indeed. Bah.

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At least, since the debt was never cleared, the Leafs are assured to never again win the Stanley Cup.

What do the Leafs have to do to get rid of that debt? I mean, they already gave him Punch Imlach.

Mike

Pat Hentgen - Brother Down, Sam Roberts

Esteban Loaiza - Til I Am Myself Again, Blue Rodeo

Rickey Henderson - Long Time Running, The Tragically Hip

Carl Everett - Yer Possessed, Gordon Downie

Felipe Lopez - The Boy Inside The Man, Tom Cochrane

The Detroit Tigers - Lost Together, Blue Rodeo

Bud Selig - When Something Stands For Nothing, The Headstones

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Bud Selig - When Something Stands For Nothing, The Headstones

Bud Selig should never be associated with the greatness of the Headstones. A really approriate song choice, though. Too bad we couldn't use It's All Over.

Mike