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Archives: July 1-7, 2007

Significantly scaled-back plan is weighed for Reds' spring home
Posted July 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Plans for a new Cincinnati Reds spring complex that seemed doomed could be resurrected in the form of a $45 million face-lift for Ed Smith Stadium, the spring home of the Reds and the regular-season home of the Sarasota Reds (High Class A; Florida State League). City Commissioners and Reds officials are talking over a scaled-back version of the Reds' dream ballpark and training complex. The original plan looked dead because it lacked a $10 million private investment to complete the funding. City officials say the revived deal comes from consultants that both sides hired in March. There are fewer suites, the outfield seating area would be smaller and the ballpark would likely have scaled-back square-footage for administrative offices. Whether this is enough to please city and county officials remains to be seen: fervor for the project considerably died down once the private investment (predictably) failed to materialize, and now there's talk of diverting bed tax revenues toward other projects.
    RELATED STORIES: Why Sarasota may spurn baseball; What is spring training worth to Vero Beach?; Reds: We're interested in Vero Beach; New Reds spring-complex deal on life support; Delaying puts Reds spring complex in jeopardy; Task force confident in Reds ballpark deal; Finance plan for Reds spring-training facility in place -- maybe; Looking at a Plan B for new Reds spring complex; Sarasota looking to cut spring-training complex cost; Fair officials respond with new spring-training plan; New Reds training facility in some doubt; Florida finalizes five spring-training grants; Pirates to get 30-year lease, lights at McKechnie Field; Florida makes preliminary decision on state spring-training grants; Bush signs bill funding spring-training complexes; Reds sign 30-year lease to train in Sarasota; Sarasota, county OK Reds ballpark pact; Deal for new Reds spring-training facility close; Sarasota ballpark hopes for home run; Sarasota sends ballpark pacts to state; Sarasota County agrees to tax increase to fund new Reds spring facility; County tees up for baseball hearing; Sarasota ballpark plan stirs resistance; Now the real hard part begins on new Reds ballpark; For new Reds ballpark, cash crisis on deck; Reds swing and miss; New Reds' spring-training ballpark still $16M short; Price for new Reds training facility: $54 million to $62 million; Spring training ballpark, tourism compete for Sarasota bed tax revenue; Plan for a new Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota move forward; Details emerge on Sarasota County, city plan for stadium, event center, ballfields; Sarasota eyes ambitious plan to convert arena site to keep Reds; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities

McClatchy to step down as Pirates CEO
Posted July 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that Kevin McClatchy is stepping down as CEO of the Pittsburgh Pirates Chief Executive Officer at the end of the 2007 season. After more than eleven years as the day-to-day leader of the organization, McClatchy and Pirates Chairman of the Board, Bob Nutting, jointly announced the decision today to allow the organization time to conduct a thorough search for his successor. The search process will begin immediately, but it was too early in that process to discuss possible candidates, according to a Pirates press release.

No bull(frog): Minor leagues are always fun
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A writer for the Gary Post-Tribune compares the game experience for a Green Bay Bullfrogs (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) with the game experience for a Gary-SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League) game and says the Bullfrogs put on the better show. He even says the quality of baseball is better (the better players in the Northwoods League will inevitably be high draft choices; the better players for the Northern League have probably had their shot). Owner Jeff Royle certainly has done some great things in Green Bay so far this season. Speaking of the Northwoods League: rosters for next Wednesday's All-Star Game at Franklin Rogers Park were released today. You can see the stars of tomorrow live on ESPN 360 and on tape delay on ESPNU later that night.

Lot near ballpark eyed for project
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The San Francisco port authority plans to transform a 14-acre parking lot next to AT&T Park, the home of the San Francisco Giants, into a 2 million-square-foot commercial and residential development that would be the port's highest paying tenant. A developer could be chosen by year's end for a project that could include offices, apartments, a hotel, shops and a park, said Monique Moyer, executive director of the Port of San Francisco. The agency's vision for the Seawall site, presented in community meetings, would include up to 600,000 square feet of offices, 600 apartments, a 200-room hotel, 55,000 square feet of retail space, 1,500 parking spaces and a performance venue with 2,000 seats. It certainly would change the area around the ballpark and give it even more of an urban feel.

Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up
Posted July 6, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It's funny to see how stories bubble up in the mainstream media. Take, for example, this article from the Star Tribune, which basically bites hook, line and sinker on a story being peddled by media reps for the landowners asking $65.375 million for eight acres of land for for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in an attempt to deflect attention from their astounding land valuation and exactly who would benefit from such a valuation. The muddying issue: legal fees associated with an eminent-domain proceeding. Under Minnesota eminent-domain law, the landowners may be awarded "reasonable attorney fees, litigation expenses, appraisal fees, other expert fees and other related costs" (italics ours) if the condemnation award by the three-person panel is more than 40 percent greater than the offer the county made before it filed for condemnation last November. Now, there are so many variables here it's not funny. For starters, the two sides can't agree on what final offer the county made: the landowners say less than $13.35 million, one county commissioner says it was $19 million. (That's an important distinction: if the land valuation comes in at $25 million and the court finds there was an offer of $19 million, Hines and Land Partners II could not even ask for their legal fees.) Then there's the issue of what's "reasonable": the landowners say their legal costs are approaching $8 million, but we doubt a panel would find that reasonable. (Then again, we note the county is paying $320 an hour for its legal advice, which is far beyond local market rates; we know for a fact a 3M or a Best Buy won't pay that high a legal fee for what's a fairly basic real-estate valuation dispute -- even though downtown Minneapolis valuations are somewhat complicated -- and would instantly negotiate it down.) Finally, there's one other factor: Hines. The Houston-based real-estate development giant is actually buying the land from the original landowners, Land Partners II, for $19 million and then flipping it to the county, sharing some of the resulting profit along the way. If Land Partners II and Hines think the land is worth $19 million, a reasonable argument could be made that the actual valuation is close to that (experts we talk to peg the value at $25 million). There's already a bad relationship between the Twins and the Star Tribune; this one-sided article (it doesn't mention the outrageous demand for $65.375 million until the 12th graf, and then only in passing) does little to illuminate the dispute.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark land was low-balled; Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Thunder set record for ballpark marriage proposals
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Last night there was yet another marriage proposal at Mercer County Waterfront Park, the home of the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League). That brings this season's total to 11, which is a new franchise record. (It may also be a MiLB record; let us know if any team has recorded more.) Three years ago, the Thunder held a marriage ceremony on the field before a game. Following the service, the newlywed couple threw out the ceremonial first pitch as their first act together as husband and wife.

Today's video: Kansas City pregame film
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This video from Dimension X Design was done for the Kansas City Royals pregame show; it's a nice mix of the present and the great history of the Royals. Dimension X Design works with over 70 clients in all major sports to provide in-game entertainment for teams on their video boards as well as commercial production. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

FL commish: 'I like where we stand'
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The independent Frontier League is holding its All-Star Game next week in Florence. That Commissioner Bill Lee and the current owners of the Florence Freedom managed to turn around what was one of the most embarrassing stories in minor-league baseball is remarkable: the team now successful and the league is better than ever. "There were several reasons we wanted to get the All-Star Game in Florence as soon as we could," Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee said during a visit to Chillicothe this week. "One, because it did start rough up there, no doubt about it. Very publicly and very sadly. But once everything worked out, now we want to thank the city of Florence and northern Kentucky for staying with us while we worked through that. And we wanted to showcase the beautiful area they have there, the beautiful stadium they have there, and let the rest of the league see what happens when one of our All-Star Games come in."

Brewers' pitch to city's black community paying off
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It seems everything is going right for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, as the team's front office appears to be making strides in its ability to attract African-American fans to Miller Park. During the last home stand, there were increasing numbers of African-Americans, particularly younger fans, in the stands. Rick Schlesinger, the team's executive vice president for business operations, said the team has no hard numbers but believes there are more African-American fans coming to the ballpark this season.

Diablos put more fans in seats
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Wednesday's record-setting attendance was another sign that the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) are seeing success with their bottom line as well as on the field. The crowd of 11,206 at Cohen Stadium was a club record and broke the American Association's record. It also helped boost the Diablos per-game attendance to 4,387 through 26 home dates, second in the league and an increase of more than 500 fans per game over the 2006 average. "We've done some different marketing type things; we're focusing on group ticket sales (to) little league groups, church groups and corporations," said Diablos General Manager Matt LaBranche. "The icing on the cake is the team is really good this year. People love a winner and that's been worth 200, 300 fans a night."

Ballpark Notes
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A raucous 3rd of July crowd helped the Casper Rockies (rookie; Pioneer League) break the single game attendance record again Tuesday night at Mike Lansing Field, as 3,342 fans filled the ballpark to watch the Rockies firework extravaganza. The previous attendance record of 3,141 was set last season on the 4th of July....More than 9-million fans attended Minor League Baseball games in June to push the season total to 22,664,601, ahead of the sizzling pace set in 2006 when the industry broke its all-time attendance record for the third year in a row. The June turnout of 9,050,759 was a large increase over June of 2006 when 8.3-million fans attended games of the affiliated leagues. This year’s increase was across the board with all 14 domestic leagues recording increases in average crowd size. The average crowd this year to date is 4,131 compared to 4,043 in games through June a year ago, an increase of 2.2 percent. The June-only average was 4,613. Fourth of July celebrations across the country, popular with baseball fans, got July off to a fast start as well. Attendance at Wednesday’s holiday games totaled 470,863, despite six rainouts, for an average of 6,924 fans for the 68 games played. The Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) topped the list with a crowd of 17,213 and the Pacific Coast League was dominant with the smallest of seven crowds totaling 11,751.....Triple-A Baseball and ESPN announced that the 20th Annual Triple-A All-Star Game will be televised live on ESPN2 Wednesday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. ESPN baseball analyst and former Triple-A All-Star Eduardo Perez will be joined in the booth by play-by-play commentator Mark Neely. ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s Spanish-language network, will also carry the Triple-A All-Star Game live for the fourth consecutive season. The 2007 Game, to be played at Isotopes Park, home of the Pacific Coast League’s Albuquerque Isotopes, marks the 13th straight season Triple-A Baseball’s mid-summer classic has been televised live on ESPN2 (The first two Triple-A All-Star Games were shown on ESPN in 1988-89). Launched in October of 1993, ESPN2 is available in approximately 94 million homes.... The Staten Island Yankees (short season; NY-Penn League) announced that their games on Friday, July 6th against the Brooklyn Cyclones and Thursday, July 12th against the Auburn Doubledays are both sold out. The two sellouts on July 6th and July 12th will bring the season total to three sellouts thus far. In addition, Old-Timers Day on Sunday, July 8th is sold out as well. The average attendance so far this season is 5,068, which is a significant increase over last year's average of 3,037....

Ballpark land was low-balled
Posted July 5, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Media consultant Aron Kahn argues Hennepin County has behaved poorly in "low-balling" the noble landowners who controlled land for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, offering them upwards of $25 million for land that both sides agreed was worth $13 million just a year ago. There's not an economic argument presented here -- basically, Kahn says the landowners should be rewarded because they pushed for a Twins ballpark years before the Twins and Hennepin County came on board -- and it's hard to show a lot of sympathy for a group that argued with a straight face that the land is now worth $63.375 million. Perhaps Kahn should have advised his clients that they shouldn't make silly arguments and then expect to be taken seriously.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts; Twins ballpark parcel worth $65.375 million, say owners; Twins ballpark draws development interest; Pohlads lining up land near ballpark; Hennepin County takes control of ballpark land, reaches agreement with railroad; Twins, Hennepin County sign ballpark agreement; now the fun begins; County: Twins' extra donation for ballpark is confidential; Twins unveil ballpark plans; Hennepin County, Twins reach land agreement; vote slated for today; Twins ballpark meeting is delayed; Ballpark impasse solution may be near on Twins ballpark; Twins moving ahead with ballpark plans; Pohlads step up to plate to help county save deal; Possible fix for Twins ballpark impasse arises; Are Twins working to end ballpark impasse?; Building a ballpark may hinge on having the Twins pay more; County officials, landowners of Twins ballpark site remain in a holding pattern; County looking at two new sites for Twins ballpark; Official says changing site of Twins ballpark would mean delays; A great ballpark divide; Twins postpone ballpark unveiling; Hennepin County, Twins say they'll look for a new ballpark site; Draft environmental review for Twins ballpark unveiled; Judge rules Twins ballpark has public purpose; sides still apart on price; Community leaders eager to see Twins ballpark design; Twins ballpark likely to sport modern look; Ballpark site owners put squeeze on Twins; New year brings new ballpark tax for Hennepin County shoppers; Ballpark players ironing out use, development agreements; Twins release more details on new ballpark; New Twins ballpark bypasses standard reviews; Ballpark's link to downtown Minneapolis inadequate, group says; Ballpark should be held to high standards; Twins formally announce design team for new ballpark; Firms lined up early for stadium work; Eminent-domain effort begins for Twins ballpark land; Designing the experience around the Twins ballpark; Ideas for Twins ballpark, some from left field; A freeze frame for Twins; Experts blow hot, cold on ways to heat new Twins ballpark; Appraisal delay puts Twins new ballpark off schedule; Twins pick ballpark designers; As Twins chase playoffs, ballpark preparations push on; Twins ballpark on track to open in 2010; Hennepin County Board approves ballpark sales tax; It's official: Twins to switch broadcast rights to KSTP-AM; Twins to switch broadcast partner after 46 seasons; Twins seek partners for naming rights, sponsorships; Twins searching for trademark ballpark design; Hennepin County OKs spending plan for Twins ballpark; Naming rights options scary; More than a ballpark in Minneapolis

Cats relocate series to El Paso after water damage to home field
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LaGrave Field, the home of the Fort Worth Cats (independent; American Association), suffered so much rain damage during recent storms in Texas that the current homestand has been scrapped after team owner Carl Bell decided to resurface the playing field. Two games scheduled for July 3 and 4 will be made up later this month, while a doubleheader scheduled for today will be moved to Pensacola on Aug. 2. The upcoming weekend series will be moved to El Paso. "Obviously this move was made due to the record-setting rains that have occurred in our area," said Cats owner Carl Bell. "We regret that our fans won’t be able to attend games at LaGrave Field this weekend, but we feel at this time that these steps must be taken to insure the safety of not only the Cats’ players but also the visiting teams as well. We appreciate the assistance the American Association and the El Paso Diablos have given us in regards to moving the games." Bell added the field repairs will include a new drainage system. We haven't heard of any other teams moving series because of water damage, although several United League Baseball games have been cancelled in recent days.

Next season, it's baseball on grass in Syracuse
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Grass will replace the worn AstroTurf at Alliance Bank Stadium, the home of the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League). That was the unanimous decision Tuesday of the Onondaga County Legislature. The AstroTurf will be removed after Labor Day, following the close of the season for the stadium's major tenant, the Chiefs baseball team. The grass field should be ready in time for the start of the 2008 baseball season. The project will cost $1.5 million, most of which the county will bond for $1,125,000. The rest of the money will come from a turf replacement fund paid for by the Chiefs and revenue from the use of the parking lot by University Hospital employees. This article was submitted by a reader. To submit something of interest to Ballpark Digest readers, drop us a note at editors@augustpublications.com.

Baffling ballpark name dispute
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This is a story that just won't die. The disagreement between the Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League) and Utah Valley State College continues to occur, as Owlz owner Jeff Katofsky said UVSC doesn't have the authority to call it Brent Brown Ballpark during the times the Pioneer League team is using it. He wants it to be called Home of the Owlz and has barred local media from using Brett Brown Ballpark. Katofsky continues to insist MiLB regulations prevent him from acknowledging the new name, and as far as we can tell MilB officials are consistent in their viewpoint that this is a false issue. Given the bad press both MiLB and the Owlz are receiving in the Utah papers, it's probably time for someone to step in.
    RELATED STORIES: Sparks fly over Owlz name; Owlz owner, UVSC bicker over park name; UVSC, Owlz playing ballpark name games; UVSC announces ballpark donors

Official thinks pro ball can hit homer in Utica
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Jay Acton, commissioner of the New York State League, thinks his four-team independent league will enjoy community support at Utica's Murnane Field. It is an interesting experiment to have four teams sharing a single facility, one that we'll be watching this season. If the league is a success, look for a half-dozen or so "leagues" pop up in the next few years; there's already a plan for one in McHenry County, but it's based on a new $3 million facility.
    RELATED STORIES: Pro baseball coming home to Murnane Field

Today's video: Exposition Park, Pittsburgh
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Here's a lovely, nostalgic look back at the former home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Exposition Park. It was the site of the first World Series in 1903, ensuring its place in history. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Ballpark food also having a first-place season
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The food editor of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel drops by Miller Park to check out the food offerings this season. Regular readers of the site know we updated our Miller Park listing this season to reflect on the many changes carried out by the Brewers front office, but this article goes into a lot more depth; alas, it doesn't really cover beer -- which, in Milwaukee, is considered by many as one of the food groups.

Strike out for the ballparks
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Here's a look at game experiences at Applebee's Park, the home of the Lexington Legends (Low Class A; Sally League), and Louisville Slugger Field, home of the Louisville Bats (Class AAA: International League). We've hailed Louisville Slugger Field as one of the best minor-league experiences, and this article suggests a Legends game at Applebee's Park is close behind, if not equal.

Lugnuts game is great fun for the whole family
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Here's a look at a Lansing Lugnuts (Low Class A; Midwest League) game at Oldsmobile Park. The crew there has the formula down pat:  Comfort, along with family promotions, is critical for the team's success in the box office, because the Lugnuts aren't going to draw customers based on the score or the players. People go more for the experience, and a chance to see high-quality -- if not major-league -- baseball. Brad Tillery, the radio voice and marketing assistant with the Lugnuts, said a study showed 50 percent of the people leaving the park after the game didn't know the score, but more than 90 percent had a good time and said they would come back.

Baseball returns to its roots
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With all the discussions occurring across the nation over wood vs. metal bats, here's a great look at going with wood: coaches and fans say they improve the game. Tucson-area American Legion teams are in their second year of using wood bats, and it sounds like everyone is pleased with the switch. These leagues switched because Arizona junior-college teams also use wood, and the better players in Legion will likely end up playing juco ball. Besides the skill level of players going up, organizers say wood-bat use has increased participation in Legion ball. At a time when baseball is facing a crisis of participation and interest among America's use, here's a case where a remedy is within clear view.
    RELATED STORIES: Group sues New York City over ban on metal bats; New York City passes ban on metal bats; A swing toward wooden bats; USA Baseball: Metal bats are as safe as wooden bats; New York City moves toward ban on metal high-school bats

CSX donation could be new MU baseball home
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Rumors of a new ballpark have come and gone for years while Marshall University Thundering Herd baseball has played "home" games far from campus at several different locations, but most recently at University Heights Field. Marshall plays its C-USA home games at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston. The current plan is for a new ballpark close to campus on polluted land owned by CSX; Marshall would get the land if it can clean up the pollution.
    RELATED STORIES: Campus ballpark may be in Herd's future; Marshall planning new ballpark

Ballpark Notes
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The Clearwater Threshers (High Class A: Florida State League) set a single-game attendance record of 8,906 Tuesday night at Bright House Networks Field versus the Tampa Yankees. The crowd surpassed the previous record of 8,216 set on June 30, 2006. The Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza also set a single-day ticket sales record. Tuesday's total ticket sales were 4,181. Through 41 games this season, Clearwater has notched an attendance of 106,150 and an average of 2,589....The Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) and the Colorado Rockies announced that Mike Coolbaugh has been named the Drillers interim hitting coach. Cooolbaugh is familiar with Tulsa, having played in seven games for the Drillers during the 1996 season. He also spent parts of two seasons in the major leagues with Milwaukee and St. Louis. He is the brother of former Drillers third baseman Scott Coolbaugh (1988) who is currently serving as hitting coach for the Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League)....Merritt Paulson, the new owner of the Portland Beavers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) is extending an invitation to Portland-area residents to join the team as it celebrates the Grand Reopening of PGE Park when the team plays host to the Tucson Sidewinders on Friday, July 20 at 7:05 p.m....Clark/Hunt/Smoot, A Joint Venture, and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission are hosting a "Topping Out" Celebration for the new Washington Nationals Ballpark on Wednesday, July 11, 2007. The celebration begins at Noon with a barbecue lunch for the construction workers and guests followed at 1 p.m. by congratulatory remarks by DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and other special guests....The Toledo Mud Hens announced they have now sold over 500,000 tickets to Fifth Third Field for the 2007 baseball season. The Mud Hens surpassed the half million mark nearly a month earlier than the 2006 season. This number is made up of season tickets, group sales, and individual game tickets that have been sold for the 2007 season The Mud Hens broke their attendance record for the second straight year in 2006 with 569,380 fans. The record broke the 2005 attendance figure by more than 12,000.....The Boston Red Sox today announced that the team has entered into a strategic alliance with the Chiba Lotte Marines (Nippon Professional Baseball). The three-year alliance, which extends through 2010, was announced at a Wednesday afternoon press conference in Chiba, Japan. The partnership between the Marines and Red Sox will result in a collaboration of scouting information, statistical analysis, and other aspects that will assist the Boston organization in its evaluation of players in Japan and other Pacific Rim countries. There will also be an on-field element as staff from both organizations will attend and observe each other's spring training and fall programs....Reno Silver Sox (independent; Golden Baseball League) General Manager Dwight Dortch has resigned, effective immediately. Silver Sox Assistant GM Curt Jaycee has been promoted to general manager.....

Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A group of Omaha residents are banding together to save Rosenblatt Stadium, the home of the College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). Organizers with the Save Rosenblatt campaign say the group has already collected more than 4,000 signatures from people who want the city to keep the aging ballpark, and they plan to buy billboards in the area as well. The issue: city leaders are proposing a new 9,000-seat ballpark near downtown Omaha and Creighton University for the O-Royals that can be expanded to fit the needs of the CWS. Many want to see Rosenblatt Stadium saved. A plan that (unfortunately) seems to have been abandoned: building a new intimate facility for the O-Royals and Creighton and keeping Rosenblatt Stadium as the home of the CWS. City officials hope to begin the decision-making process next month.
    RELATED STORIES: Could Indy someday be host for CWS?; New Omaha ballpark could feature other pastimes; Coaches reminisce as talk turns to proposed downtown ballpark; Plan B: Fix up Rosenblatt; Omaha wants at least 10-year CWS extension before ballpark work; Mayor: NCAA shows interest in new Omaha ballpark; Omaha floats new ballpark for CWS, O-Royals

On Boulevard, but where?
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The pitch to keep the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) on the Boulevard turned out to be a hit. James L. Jenkins, chairman of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority board of directors, said the R-Braves will play either at a renovated version of The Diamond or in a new ballpark nearby. While renovating the Diamond remains an option, Mayor Doug Wilder said building a new ballpark is more likely. The price for a new ballpark in Richmond could be near $50 million. Renovation costs would probably start at about half that. More on The Diamond from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Minor-league baseball in Cape Girardeau?
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cape Girardeau, Mo., is turning into the newest hot city for a baseball team, as two groups have approached city officials about funding for a new ballpark. Cape Girardeau isn't that large -- the city has over 35,000 residents and the county has over 68,000 -- but it does have the advantage of geography and a little relative isolation (St. Louis is 90 minutes away). Though the mayor is openly lusting after a Cardinals affiliate, we're guessing that won't happen: if Marion was too afield for the Low Class A Midwest League, there's no way George Spelius and crew would allow in a Cape Girardeau team. Similarly, the Missouri city is probably too far afield for the Low Class A Sally League. We're guessing the future of baseball in Cape Girardeau is with indy ball, and we're guessing the American Association has already approached city officials, though a Northern League or Frontier League team would make geographic sense as well.

Today's video: My umps
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
OK, we have a winner in the best video produced by a baseball team this season. This parody of the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" is "My Umps," and it's about the boys in blue. Fantastic. If you want to see it at a higher resolution, go to this YouTube page. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Orioles, Braves to offer all-you-can-eat tix
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With the Los Angeles Dodgers apparently very successful in offering an all-you-can-gorge ticket for the Dodger Stadium pavilion seating, other teams are following suit. The Baltimore Orioles will be offering an All-You-Can-Eat Left Field Club ticket at Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the remainder of the season (except for prime games, of course). For $35 in advance or $40 on the day of the game, fans receive a seat in sections 280-288 of the Left Field Club Level (a $25 value) and an All-You-Can-East pass for the concession stands located directly behind the sections. Menu items include hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, ice cream, soda and lemonade. Concession stands will be open from the time gates open through the seventh inning of the game. UPDATE: Not to be outdone, the Atlanta Braves are offering two all-you-can-gorge packages to Turner Field. The first package, available for $25, is an Upper Reserved ticket along the first-base side giving fans access to the All-Star Express concession stand. Menu items featured for this package are hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and soft drinks. A Lexus Pavilion package, available for $60, features food from the popular Skip and Pete's BBQ stand with a wide variety of menu choices: BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ hot wings, hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, corn bread, peanuts, popcorn, soft drinks, Budweiser and Bud Light.

City must do its part to keep Defenders here
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local newspaper opines about the possibility of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) leaving Norwich: "The Connecticut Defenders are in a make-or-break year. While the team has a three-year lease on Dodd Stadium in the Norwich business park, owner Lou DiBella has made it clear he will not keep the team where it is not wanted....This is an issue that deserves the scrutiny of the highest elected officials in Norwich. The City Council must decide whether it wants to work with the Defenders at a deeper level. If Norwich wants to keep the Defenders, it needs to be a friendlier place to work with. The other option is an empty stadium."

Life in a cage: Baby sleeps, Mom cooks, Dad bats
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Reggie Willits is having a pretty good year for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and he attributes his success to living in a batting cage. Willits and his wife Amber never planned to live in a cage. In 2003, they decided to build a 3,000-square-foot house on five acres they own next to his family in Fort Cobb, Okla. The batting cage happened to be the first part of the house that they built. But when the cage was finished, Reggie and Amber saw a way to save money from his minor league salary. They did not have to complete the house. They could simply stay in the cage.

Grading the South Coast League
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As the independent South Coast League approaches midseason, Scott Adamson of the Anderson Mail grades out the best and the worst of the startup. So far things seem to be off to a good start, with five of the six teams in the league averaging over 1,014 fans a game, and Macon a solid hit. The only bad spot has been Bradenton, and league officials have already announced a move from that market next season. We're guessing the league will look long and hard at keeping that team in Florida -- for travel reasons you'd want a partner with Charlotte County -- and talk of a Spartanburg team is way premature, as there's no suitable venue in that city for a pro team (although we'd guess a renovated Duncan Park Stadium would make a fine home for an SCL team someday).

Is this seat taken? Reds say yes
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Bradley Hosler had a great seat for Sunday's Reds game. Hosler liked the right-centerfield seat so much, police say, he decided to keep it. Hosler, 20, was charged with vandalism and theft after police said he broke the seat -- Section 142, Row 3, Seat 4 -- and took it out of Great American Ball Park. Hosler, listed as 6-feet-8 in the police report, apparently broke the seat portion of his chair and decided to take it home as a souvenir. Police nabbed him just outside the ballpark.

Almonte released by Miners
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Left-handed starter Danny Almonte has been released from the Southern Illinois Miners (independent; Frontier League), team manager Mike Pinto said Saturday. Known for throwing the first perfect game in Little League World Series history, the 20-year-old Almonte struggled to throw strikes for the Miners and ended up with an 0-1 record and 5.28 ERA in 30 2-3 innings. He gave up 30 hits -- including four homers -- and walked 19 batters while striking out just 17 in six games. Almonte joined the Miners out of high school and Pinto hopes he works his way back into professional ball by taking the collegiate route.

Anti-Bonds banners confiscated, marketing efforts hit resistance
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When Don Regole drove 120 miles from his Tucson home to watch his beloved Arizona Diamondbacks face the San Francisco Giants in Phoenix, he brought along nine banners directed at Barry Bonds. The messages had a consistent theme: The Giants outfielder had cheated by using steroids, and that was bad for the game. But Regole never got to display his banners at Chase Field on April 27. When Diamondbacks employees at the entrance to the ballpark asked to view the signs in his backpack, Regole was told the posters weren't acceptable. The reason: They were in poor taste. A month later, after Regole had written the team to complain, he got a letter from the Diamondbacks. One sentence caught his attention: "As Mr. Bonds approaches the home run record, we have been asked by Major League Baseball to carefully screen the signs that are brought into the ballpark by our fans." Dealing with the Bonds issue will be a touchy one for MLB. Bonds is a polarizing figure because of his alleged steroid usage, and the home-run record is a sacred one. It's pretty obvious Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron never used performance-enhancing drugs, and when Bonds breaks the record many will place a mental asterisk next to it.

Bottom-end minor league gives second life and new country to ball players
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You know, it gets a little tiresome when independent outfits like the Can-Am Association and the South Coast League are dubbed "botton-end" and "last-chance" leagues by the media. While the overall level of baseball may not be the greatest, there's something to be said for the community orientation of the indy leagues, and there's nothing wrong with a guy like Eddie Lantigua settling down and establishing some roots with the Quebec Capitales. Lantigua recently became a Canadian citizen and bought a house where he and his wife are raising four children.

Baseball in China has a long way to go
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The Yankees and Mariners have become the first major league teams to sign Chinese players, so could baseball’s version of NBA superstar Yao Ming be on deck? Unlikely, for reasons that are varied and complicated. Jim Lefebvre, manager of the Chinese team that will play in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, believes a lot of it is because China, unlike the United States, doesn’t yet teach its youngsters the intricacies of baseball. Chinese dads don’t play backyard catch with their young sons. Chinese boys don’t play stickball and there are no neighborhood diamonds for impromptu pickup games.
    RELATED STORIES: Yankees sign sponsorship agreement with China's Yili Group; Once Games end, ballpark will be razed to become mall; Good chance for American baseball games next year in China; Major League Baseball to send delegation to China

Revs relish digital board
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Each night, the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League) play in Sovereign Bank Stadium, there is a different promotion and, often, the game time is different from the previous day. So how to rent a run-of-the-mill billboard advertisement for a month -- the going timeframe -- and get all that changing information across to the public is a logistical nightmare. Addressing that common issue is what Lamar Outdoor Advertising had in mind when it brought its digital billboard technology to Route 30 northeast of York about a year ago. The York Revolution plan to take advantage of the board's advantages throughout July.

At Sal Maglie Stadium, future ball stars get a chance
Posted July 3, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another case where a summer-collegiate team is giving new life to a great old ballpark. The Niagara Falls Power (New York Collegiate Baseball League) are the latest tenants of Sal Maglie Stadium, built in 1939. So far the team has impressed a few oldtimers who remember when the International League and the NY-Penn League set up shop at the ballpark.

Sparks fly over Owlz name
Posted July 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The battle between the Orem Owlz (rookie; Pioneer League) and Utah Valley State College escalated over the weekend after the team decided to involve local media outlets. Owlz general manager Zachary Fraser threatened to pull the press credentials of reporters who do not refer to the ballpark as the Home of the Owlz (as opposed to Brent Brown Ballpark, the name used by UVSC after selling naming rights to a local car dealer). As a result, the Deseret Morning News and Daily Herald in Provo have chosen not to cover home games. Readers of the Morning News will get scores and game summaries provided to the paper from other sources. Readers still will see stories produced by the Deseret Morning News about players and coaches because they work for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the Owlz cannot block access to them. It's a little hard to see how the Owlz can sustain this: team management continues to insist MiLB rules prohibit them from recognizing the ballpark's new name, but MiLB spokesperson Jim Ferguson continues to say on the record this is not the case. At some point MiLB and Pioneer League officials will need to become involved.
    RELATED STORIES: Owlz owner, UVSC bicker over park name; UVSC, Owlz playing ballpark name games; UVSC announces ballpark donors

Knights now pushing to get ballpark in play by 2009
Posted July 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A late-inning rally may allow the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) to build a new ballpark in time for the 2009 season, a move that would improve attendance and revenue dramatically a year earlier than anticipated. The Knights met with architects and other advisers this week to determine how late construction could start without jeopardizing a 2009 opening date.  Team officials had been anticipating a 2010 move after public disputes over county funding for ballpark-related infrastructure emerged this spring. Now, though, team officials and other backers of the project say the talks are moving fast enough to put 2009 back in play.
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Red Sox, Sea Dogs extend affiliation through 2012
Posted July 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) have announced the extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) for an additional four years. The extension keeps the Red Sox Double-A affiliation in Portland through the 2012 season. Red Sox Vice President/Player Personnel Ben Cherington and Sea Dogs’ President and General Manager Charlie Eshbach made the announcement Monday afternoon at Hadlock Field. More on the current state of affiliations here.

Today's video: Happy Bob finds joy with the Suns
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This amusing parody of a "male-enhancement product" commercial tells why attending a Hagerstown Suns (Low Class A; Sally League) game could spice up one's life. It's a very, very clever spot that should appeal to a prime demographic. We've been really pleased with the response to our call for videos: we've already heard from several teams and vendors, so we'll continue bringing them to you. If you want to share your videos with the baseball community, drop us a line at editors@augustpublications.com.

Ballpark designers seek green label, but say effort alone counts
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When the Minnesota Legislature approved local taxation for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark, one of the key clauses was that the team and designers seek LEED certification if possible. It's not an absolute, and designers from HOK Sport say they're working to make the ballpark as green as possible but don't know whether they'll achieve LEED certification. The issue: LEED certification was designed for office buildings, not for sports facilities. LEED certification is based on a huge set of checklist items, and the total score from the checklist determines whether there is LEED certification. Many of the items, like collecting rainwater runoff and installing bike racks, clearly can be applied to a ballpark. Speaking of the new Twins ballpark: the Minneapolis Star Tribune comes out with an editorial criticizing owners of a key parcel of land for demanding $65.375 million, saying the more money paid to landowners the less there will be for infrastructure change (like mass transit) that will ensure the ballpark not be cut off from the rest of downtown. It's a surprisingly good editorial; every real-estate expert and attorney we spoke with recently says attorney Dan Rosen way overdemanded in his arguments before the eminent-domain court deciding the price tag for the parcel: $25 million would be a more than fair value for the land.
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Bay foundation gives cash to help build Nats' new ballpark 'green'
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The Washington Nationals' new ballpark will contain what its architect, HOK Sport, says is the first "green roof" at a big league sports facility when it opens in April. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, an environmental nonprofit in Annapolis, gave a $101,670 grant to the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission to cover the cost to plant grass and other plant life on top of a 6,300-square-foot waterproof surface above a concession stand. We know of some other sports venues considering green roofs -- officials at Minneapolis's Target Center, for instance, have discussed the issue -- but it looks like the Nats will be first to market.
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SCL to leave Bradenton
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The independent South Coast League has announced it will relocate the Bradenton Juice franchise for the 2008 season. The league was recently notified by the Pirates that their proposal to lease McKechnie Field, the spring-training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, was denied. With McKechnie field no longer an option for hosting an SCL franchise, league officials have made the decision for relocation. “We were informed this week by the Pirates that they have decided against entering into a lease agreement for McKechnie field with the SCL,” said league CEO Jamie Toole. “While we are disappointed with the Pirates decision, we are excited to explore opportunities for relocation of this club for the 2008 season and beyond.” The Bradenton Juice had called Robert C. Wynn Field on the campus of Manatee Community College home; the lack of beer sales, fireworks shows, and seating generated immediate issues for the league to overcome during the inaugural season, and some Juice games were moved to other venues as a result. Since the Charlotte County franchise is drawing respectably (1,471 a game, good for second in the league), we'll guess league officials will work to find another Florida venue; Al Lang Field, of course, would be the perfect place.

City wrangling
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The Rich Baseball era is coming to an end in Wichita, but it looks like the National Baseball Congress World Series will be here for many years to come. As part of the exit agreement that affords the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) an early escape from their lease with Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, which was supposed to extend through 2008, the city of Wichita is considering buying the NBC tournament from Rich Baseball, Inc. for an undisclosed price. Whichever indy league landing the lease will be contractually obligated to run the tourney, and apparently there won't be an out in the contract. The City Council is expected to debate the purchase this week.
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A's ballpark vision takes shape
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The first view of A's owner Lew Wolff's proposed 174-acre "ballpark village" emerged late last week, raising immediate concerns about plans for game-day parking and the location of an elementary school close to Fremont's garbage dump. Wolff has not formally submitted a plan for the 32,000-seat ballpark, 2,900 homes and a Santana Row-like retail district to the city, but he did provide a copy this week to the president of the local school board. The city's former mayor, Gus Morrison, got a copy and delivered it to city council members late Thursday, along with a scathing critique of Wolff's proposal. The plan shows the ballpark near the middle of the development, which sits near the intersection of Interstate 880 and Auto Mall Parkway. The mixed-use retail/residential center extends to the northeast and northwest, connecting with the existing Pacific Commons shopping center. The mixed-use area would include about 560 housing units above retail shops and restaurants, and the remaining 2,300 homes would be built in neighborhoods south of the ballpark in densities ranging from 12 to 35 units per acre.
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City could save money on ballpark
Posted July 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
They didn’t know it at the time, but when the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners shaved down Billy Prim’s request for money in March they may have saved Winston-Salem some money -- about $4.65 million. Winston-Salem could pay that much less on a new ballpark for the Winston-Salem Warthogs (High Class A; Carolina League) and associated development project under a new financing deal that’s being considered by city officials. Lower borrowing costs related to the city’s share of the $22.6 million stadium and a boost from Wake Forest University would make up the proposed savings, Mayor Allen Joines said yesterday.
    RELATED STORIES: Winston-Salem ballpark put off to 2009 season; County gives OK to Warthogs ballpark; Forsyth County commits to new Warthogs ballpark; Prim: I'll run figures in offer; County's ballpark offer in; New museum part of Winston-Salem ballpark?; Winston-Salem approves new Warthogs ballpark; county is next; Joines: Protect ticket revenue; Council considers city help with moving expenses; Prim's word is his bond; Council postpones Winston-Salem ballpark vote; Attendance, costs at question in W-S ballpark plan; County quiet on funding for new Warthogs ballpark; W-S ballpark could avoid difficult permits since it has no creek; Traffic concerns dominate Winston-Salem ballpark meeting; City outlines routes to proposed Warthogs ballpark; W-S finance committee recommends incentives for new Warthogs ballpark; New ballpark in Winston-Salem a go; Nearing the goal in Winston-Salem; New Warthogs ballpark won't affect local streets; Winston-Salem ballpark plan takes time to stretch

New Wrigley infield, drainage system on hold
Posted July 2, 2007 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Player salaries aren't the only expenditures on hold for the Chicago Cubs as Tribune Co. prepares to sell the team. A $1 million project to install a new infield and drainage system at Wrigley Field, one of the park's biggest needs, could be sacrificed for another season. The project had been approved last year, with White Sox groundskeeper Roger Bossard hired to design and implement the work. Bossard is considered the premier engineering professional in stadium-field design and has designed and installed the playing fields at U.S. Cellular Field, Detroit's Comerica Park, Seattle's Safeco Field, Milwaukee's Miller Park and a redesign at Boston's Fenway Park.
    RELATED STORIES: Is it time to dig up dirt at Wrigley?

York ballpark disarray keeps fans away
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The unfinished condition of  Sovereign Bank Stadium, home of the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League), is scaring away potential fans, according to a local columnist.  Construction equipment is parked behind the right-field wall. Ladders are propped up inside the yet-to-be-completed second-floor luxury boxes, and a hillbilly railing constructed of lumber rings the big-money seats. Playground equipment is piled behind the monster wall in left field, awaiting installation. And the lawn seating hardly qualifies as comfortable with fans sitting on wood chips instead of grass. Not every experience has been bad, however.

Narrowly, Charles decides ballpark is worth risk
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In signing the contract to build a ballpark for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League) last week, the Charles County commissioners agreed that the government will finance the team owner's share of the construction costs under the county's low-interest bonds. The commissioners voted, 3 to 2, to adopt the new financing structure, under which the county assumes the team owner's debt of about $8.5 million and receives annual payments for 15 years from the company. The arrangement gives the owner -- Maryland Baseball -- access to lower-interest bonds than those available on the commercial market. In exchange, Maryland Baseball will make a one-time payment of $1 million to the county to cover potential construction-cost overruns for the $25.6 million ballpark, which is set to open in May.
    RELATED STORIES: Work set for next week at Charles County site

Intentional walk at PNC Park -- or was it a strikeout?
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In the end, a protest of the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park against the team's owners turned out to be a nonevent. Organizers ended up attracting hundreds of protesters, who dutifully got up and left the ballpark in the sixth inning, and while they were met with some hecklers, in the end most of the crowd -- watching a Bucs victory, by the way -- didn't really notice.
    RELATED STORIES: Protest of Pirates getting noticed

Pro baseball coming home to Murnane Field
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The independent New York State League begins operations tomorrow at Murnane Field, the former home of the Utica Blue Sox (short season; NY-Penn League). This league, launched by Jay Acton, has an interesting structure: four teams will occupy the ballpark, with games scheduled twice a day (a free one in the afternoon, a paid one in the evening). Many players showed interest in playing in the league; we'll be watching to see how things work out.

Fiddling on the roof
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Where do foul balls go to die at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville? The roof. And the job of collecting foul balls from the rooftop falls to the director of stadium operations and two Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) interns. The canopy's metal sheets creaked with every step, and as the three men toted buckets for the harvest, every waylaid ball looked like a white cotton bud on a green field. Except the ones that didn't. Someone from the office usually collects the foul balls after home stands, but no one had been up since May, and it showed. Some balls were waterlogged, black with mold, or green with what looked like moss. One looked perfect apart from the swollen seam bursting with frayed string. This article was submitted by a reader. To submit a story or item of interest for consideration, send an email to editors@augustpublications.com.

Baseball plans remain in early innings
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University of Oregon GM Pat Kilkenny says there are no specific plans to move ahead with bringing baseball back to the university, but he's been meeting with potential donors and Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League) officials about funding plans for a new ballpark. Sharing a ballpark with the Ems would make some financial sense for Oregon; the seasons don't overlap.

Campus ballpark may be in Herd's future
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A deal is not finalized, but legitimate discussions between Marshall University officials and CSX, a railroad company based along 5th avenue in Huntington, are underway for a proposed ballpark. CSX is willing to donate a seven-acre tract of land located behind the 22nd St. Courtyard Apartments, provided environmental issues are settled. The property has suffered toxic contamination over an extended time. Bottom line, if Marshall can remediate -- in other words, return the land to environmental health -- at a reasonable cost, CSX will donate the land, said Menis Ketchum, chairman of Marshall's Board of Governors. No word on any pro leagues looking at the development; there had been talk of the independent Frontier League discussing a new Huntington ballpark with state officials.
    RELATED STORIES: Marshall planning new ballpark

Seat licenses come with territory
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The University of South Carolina will be instituting personal seat licenses (PSLs) to help cover the cost of a new ballpark. Eric Hyman, USC’s athletics director, says PSLs are necessary to help cover the ever-escalating cost of the new stadium. Ray Tanner, USC’s baseball coach, says it is part of the cost of the Gamecock community wanting a top-notch facility. “You’ve got a pretty hefty price tag and there is a cost for excellence,” said Hyman, who inherited the new ballpark project two years ago when estimated costs were $17 million. Those estimates have soared to $28 million, and they most assuredly will grow beyond $30 million when construction bids go out next month.

Ballpark Notes
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The Great Lakes Loons (Low Class A; Midwest League) twice set attendance records at the Dow Diamond this weekend, finally ending up with a crowd of 5,792 on Saturday night....With Saturday’s attendance of 7,841, the Trenton Thunder (Class AA; Eastern League) drew at least 7,000 fans in each of the last five home games, making it the first time since the 2003 season that the team has accomplished that feat. In 2003 rehab assignments were part of this mix; this season they weren't....Pete Mackanin is the new manager of the Cincinnati Reds, replacing Jerry Narron....Tickets.com, the ticketing arm of MLB Advanced Media, signed a multi-year agreement with the city of Peoria, Ariz., to provide ticketing for all events at the Peoria Sports Complex, including the Seattle Mariners' and San Diego Padres' spring-training games. Tickets.com also renewed its contract with Mesa Sports Association for events at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz., including the Chicago Cubs' spring-training games....Mike Hargrove stepped down as manager of the Seattle Mariners....State Farm Insurance signed a multi-year deal to be the "Official Insurance Company of Major League Baseball." The deal initially centers on State Farm sponsorship of ESPN's "State Farm Home Run Derby" and the "State Farm Mascot Home Run Derby" at Major League Baseball All-Star Week....