The Wash Up 15th-21st October

- It happens every year (unless the Yankees win) but predominantly the teams competing in the MLB World Series have some of the lowest paid rosters. Of last weeks four finalists, only the Boston Red Sox were ranked in the top 10 (No. 2). The three other teams ranked at 23 (Cleveland), 25 (Colorado) and 26 (Arizona) respectively. The Commissioner puts it down to developing the players instead of buying players. These three teams hold a strong case about not introducing a salay cap in the MLB. [Low-salary teams dominate playoffs] - Former "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson believes A-Rod can make over $300 million by leaving the Yankees. [Reggie sees A-Rod making the Big Bucks] Reggie didn't specify where or how he will make these dollars, but the option is there for Rodriguez, who can opt out of the last 3 years of his contract worth $81 million, thus making him a free agent. - LeBron James' name is being thrown into a promotional tour, only problem is, he knows nothing about it. Marketing consultant's Maven Strategies had earmarked LeBron to be the face of their "The LeBron James experience", however James' representation has claimed that a deal never existed between him and Maven. Obviously, his representation is looking for Maven to reneg this statement. [LeBron James advisor debunks promotional deal] - When the Pittsburgh Penguins went bust in the mid 1990's, one star player was left unpaid. Now, after all this time, NHL legend Mario Lemieux will be paid out $21 million of the $32 million he was originally owed from that playing contract. [Super Mario and a $21 million settlement] Mario is the only unsecured creditor from that time not to receive 100 per cent of what he was owed. However, I doubt Mario is complaining. He invested $25 million into the team when it came out of bankruptcy in 1999, and that share is now worth over $200 million. - Miller Brewing Co. and Molson Coors Brewing Co. are merging. At first, you wouldn't think this would have a major impact on the sports industry, but think again. Not only will it effect areas such as naming rights and team sponsorship, but also athletes. [Beer merger will shake up sports marketing world]. Both companies have heavily vested brands associated with sport and it will be interesting to see if the companies will centralise their marketing efforts. Instead of there being three major players in the beer market (Arnheuser-Busch, Miller, Coors) it will reduce to two. Are Miller and Coors pooling their resources in attempt to dethrone No. 1 Arnheuser-Busch? With only two beer companies on offer, will we see a more competitive market? Or, will some international players enter the ring? - Chris Lesley