MLB notebook: Yankees still No. 1, at least to Forbes

Sure, their record, attendance and TV ratings all headed in the wrong direction last season, but the Yankees still rule in at least one area:

For the 20th consecutive year, Forbes rated the franchise the most valuable in Major League Baseball in its annual list of team valuations released on Tuesday. The list debuted in 1998, so the Yankees have topped all of them.

The magazine estimated the Yankees are worth $3.7 billion, more than double the major league average of $1.54 billion, which itself is 19 percent higher than one year ago.

The Yankees generate more than $526 million in revenue (after revenue sharing), more than any other team, according to Forbes, with an operating income of $39 million.

The rest of the top five: the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs and Giants. Tampa Bay ranked 30th and last in estimated value at $825 million.

Protesters want place in talks: Organizers protesting the Cleveland Indians’ use of the Chief Wahoo logo have asked to be involved in talks with Major League Baseball about changes to the contentious symbol.

A group asking the Indians to abolish the red-faced, smiling logo and their nickname gathered outside Progressive Field on Tuesday before the club’s home opener against the Chicago White Sox. Carrying signs that read “Racism Honors No One” and “Real People Not Mascots,” the protesters peacefully voiced their opinions as police looked on.

The movement to replace the Wahoo logo has gained momentum in recent years, especially with attention brought by the team’s success.

Philip Yenyo, executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio, said he has been encouraged by the Indians’ openness to address the issue, but he wants more. Yenyo and his group have opposed the team using the logo for profit.

He said he has reached out to baseball officials about being involved in any future discussions but has not heard back. “It’s time that we as brothers sit down at the table and talk,” he said.

Seattle sends Segura to 10-day: The Seattle Mariners placed shortstop Jean Segura on the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday with a strained right hamstring.

Seattle was hoping to avoid the DL stint for Segura, but manager Scott Servais said it was the better decision to give his starting shortstop a few extra days to recover and not play short-handed in the interim.