Dodgers president’s comments on new Uniqlo deal show LA won’t apologize for anything

The start of the regular season marked a new addition to Dodger Stadium. Well, technically, a new name. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a licensing agreement with Uniqlo just before Opening Day, adding a layer to the iconic Dodger Stadium name. It's now Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, and yes, it's yet another revenue stream for LA.

As the Dodgers have ushered in a new definition of spending in Major League Baseball, the boomers out there were rolling their eyes at this reveal. The old guard of baseball fans like to gatekeep tradition, and there are few traditions more symbolic than Dodger games at Dodger Stadium.

Naturally, there was going to be concern once the Dodgers made this reveal. Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but if we're being honest, most are still going to refer to the venue by its original name.

It's simply smart business for the Dodgers to explore this venture. It's an added revenue stream, and at the end of the day, that is how Andrew Friedman and Co. can keep operating in the way that they have. That would be the reason why you won't find the Dodgers apologizing for this deal.

Dodgers president’s Uniqlo comments prove LA won’t say sorry to anyone

As team president Stan Kasten told USA Today's Bob Nightengale he's not going to apologize for the Dodgers taking advantage of the opportunities that are in front of them. If the Chicago Cubs can license their tarp through an agreement with Reynolds Wrap and no one thinks twice about it, the Dodgers should be able to do the same with Uniqlo.

Along those lines, Kasten had jokes about that very thing.

“I do have a business disadvantage," Kasten said. “In Washington, I got decent money for selling an ad on the tarp. Morton Salt. I can’t get a [expletive] penny for a tarp ad here, because we never roll it out all year. So no one talks about that."

As has been the case over the past five years, the Dodgers have proven to be more business savvy than just about any other organization in baseball. Hate them if you want, but they won't be the team that ignores an opportunity to add a revenue stream if it's available, especially since spending in baseball could look different once a new CBA is agreed to this upcoming offseason.