Baseball notebook: Money issues in New York
New York Yankees officials say it would cost taxpayers more than $5 million if the team is forced to provide internal records sought by lawmakers looking into public financing of the club’s new stadium.
Assemblymen Richard Brodsky, a Westchester Democrat, and James Brennan, a Brooklyn Democrat, are questioning what Brodsky claims is nearly $4 billion in financing and tax breaks over 30 years that was used to build the new ballpark. The legislators say many ticket prices have been hiked beyond the reach of fans.
The Yankees dispute the $4 billion figure for the stadium that cost $1.5 billion to build.
Speaking during a court hearing held in Albany, N.Y., on Monday, Yankees CEO Lonn Trost said 90 percent of non-suite stadium tickets currently cost under $100.
League renews broadcast agreements
Major League Baseball has renewed broadcast agreements in Japan, Venezuela and Canada and added a new contract for Australia.
The extensions are with Dentsu in Japan, Meridiano Television in Venezuela, DirecTV Latin America in parts of the Caribbean and South America and Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.
MLB added an agreement with Network Ten in Australia.
Clearing the bases
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Troy Glaus has been cleared to resume baseball activities, although the best case scenario calls for a return in mid- to late- July. Glaus is returning from shoulder surgery in January. … New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte says he will make his scheduled start against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday after leaving his last outing with a stiff back. … Cleveland Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore could need arthroscopic surgery if two more weeks of rest don’t calm his inflamed left elbow. Sizemore, placed on the disabled list Sunday, would likely not return to the lineup until late July if surgery is needed. … Astros hitting coach Sean Berry, 43, was back after undergoing surgery on May 8 to remove a kidney with a cancerous tumor. He visited doctors before heading to the ballpark, where Houston opened a four-game series against Colorado.