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Archives: Jan. 1-7, 2006

Mandalay pulls out of Bowling Green deal
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Mandalay Baseball Properties has pulled out of a deal to develop a ballpark and other property in Bowling Green, as the firm announced it would let its exploratory agreement with the city expire with the old year: "Unfortunately, we are not in a position to relocate one of our existing teams or acquire a team for relocation to Bowling Green. For other developers, however, there is the possibility of identifying another affiliated team owner who is considering relocation or for the developer to pursue independent baseball." City officials said they would indeed pursue another team, but the obstacles are huge: many question whether the area population could support a team (as well as the associated development required by Mandalay).
    RELATED STORIES: Mandalay to study development plan in Bowling Green; Bowling Green mayor hopes for ballpark bids within three months; Kentucky budget ready for vote; Bowling Green funding in works; Tax district for Bowling Green baseball looks likely; No one knows if baseball team would work in Bowling Green; Early plans for Bowling Green ballpark ready; Season-ticket sale effort falls short in Bowling Green, but will continue

MLB files for arbitration on D.C. ballpark
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Keeping true to its word, Major League Baseball filed a claim with the American Arbitration Association, asking the organization to settle a standoff with the District government over the construction of a new Washington Nationals ballpark. MLB says it has a deal, and part of that deal involved first nonbinding and then binding arbitration to resolve any issues between the two sides. The D.C. Council missed a deadline to ratify a lease, leading to the action. The arbitration may take a while: both sides present their arguments in nonbinding arbitration that lasts no more than 15 days; this is followed by a negotiating period and then by binding arbitration. Baseball officials say an arbitration panel can force the District to adopt a lease, but other observers say all a mediator can do is assess damages.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark; Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done; Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark; Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease; Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year; D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed; Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease; MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site; D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions; True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget; Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark; New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball team
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials in Midland, Mich., say they've seen no plans for a new ballpark there for a Midwest League team, but given that the facility will be privately financed, there would be no reason for them to participate in any planning until something was presented to them. As we reported yesterday, two officials from Dow Chemical are looking to buy the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League) and move the team to Midland. The city is reviewing a request for a change in zoning for property near Dow's 47 Building from commercial to community zoning, which would permit a ballpark  to be built. More from ABC News 12.
    RELATED STORIES: Will Midland get minor league baseball team?

Rodriguez to play in World Baseball Classic?
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Alex Rodriguez is under some heavy pressure both from MLB and the player's union to participate in the World Baseball Classic and is expected to announce he will play for the U.S. team. Both sides have a lot at stake with the Classic: ticket sales are lagging except for the finals in San Diego, and it's also had the effect of dampening spring-training ticket sales as well. As any of you know, we do a sister site called Spring Training Online, which reaches an entirely different readership than does Ballpark Digest. Based on our email, most regular spring-training attendees could care less about the Classic.
    RELATED STORIES: Ticket sales suspended for World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico; Venezuela proposes hosting part of World Baseball Classic; Venezuela, Puerto Rico may boycott World Baseball Classic

South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials
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The startup South Coast League has been in preliminary discussions with the University of North Carolina-Wilmington about the use of Brooks Field for the launch of the independent league in 2007. The league had contacted the city about a lease for Buck Hardee Field, but it doesn't look like the heavily used facility could accommodate another tenant. Brooks Field last hosted professional baseball in the form of the South Georgia Waves (Class A; Sally League) in 2001. Also, officials from the South Coast League have a meeting planned for Jan. 13 with leaders from Albany. They will further make their case that one of the league's eight teams should play at the Paul Eames Sports Complex. The city also has talked with representatives of the Peach State League -- another league that starts play in 2007 -- and the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League). Also, the South Coast League continues to negotiate with Charlotte County officials over a lease for Charlotte County Sports Park, the former spring home of the Texas Rangers.
    RELATED STORIES: Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the city; Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?; Macon ponders two baseball proposals; City explores baseball's return to Macon; Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton; South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Bragan steps aside as Jax Suns GM
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) announced that Peter Bragan, Jr. will step aside as the team's general manager, making way for long-time employee Kirk Goodman to take over that position for the club. Bragan, Jr. will assume the role of team president and owner Peter Bragan, Sr. remains as Chairman of the Board. Bragan, Jr. began his career with the Suns as director of marketing in 1985, shortly after his father purchased the franchise. He was promoted to vice president and general manager one year later and remained in that position for 20 years. He was the longest-tenured general manager in the Southern League and held the position longer than any other sports executive in the history of Jacksonville sports.

Road not taken in Knoxville
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Frank Cagle, the editor of Knoxville Magazine, has some advice for Nashville residents as they debate a new downtown ballpark for the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). In the 1990s Knoxville residents debated a downtown ballpark for the Knoxville Jays (Class AA; Southern League), but in the end decided to build a convention center, and the Jays moved to Sevierville. The convention center is now a drain on city finances (as many are), but downtown Knoxville is thriving -- and many say if Knoxville residents had to do it all over again, they would have foregone the convention center and instead built that downtown ballpark.

Drive opens mascot design to public competition
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The Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League) is handing over to elementary school children to answer as it kicks off the "Drive to Create the Team Mascot" contest. All elementary public, private and home school organizations across Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Laurens and Pickens districts are eligible to compete in the history-making contest, which gives the students the opportunity to create the new team mascot from the ground up, including the character’s design, color, outfit and name. The winning school’s representatives and key members of the student design team will receive a special invitation to attend the unveiling of the chosen mascot at an upcoming 2006 Greenville Drive game. The school will be honored during a pre-game ceremony in Greenville’s new downtown stadium in the West End, and will be acknowledged on the video board and the team’s public address system during the game.

Hays says Travelers fans should pay to park
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The mayor of North Little Rock wants to charge for parking when fans attend games at the new North Little Rock ballpark for the Arkansas Travelers (Class AA; Texas League). Currently Travs fans do not have to pay for parking at Ray Winder Field, and the potential of paid parking was one of the objections raised by fans (especially seniors) when asked about the possibility of a move.

M-Braves to offer free parking in 2006
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If you ask, most fans would tell you paying for parking is one of their biggest complaints when attending a baseball game. (Yes, we know in many cases the decision to charge for parking is made by a municipality and not a team, but still....) The Mississippi Braves (Class AA; Southern League), in conjunction with the City of Pearl, announced Wednesday that parking fees at Trustmark Park will cease beginning at the start of the 2006 baseball season, although there will still be a VIP lot nearer to the ballpark.

Sounds will field public questions
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Representatives from the Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will answer public questions regarding the proposed downtown ballpark at two town hall meetings next week. Also, Metro and the Sounds have scheduled a meeting to discuss minority business participation in construction of the ballpark and of the residential and business development that would surround it if approved. The Council, which has final say on the deal, plans to vote on the matter for the second of three required times later this month.
    RELATED STORIES: Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

Scorpions brought millions to Yuma in first season
Posted January 5, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials from the independent Golden Baseball League say the Yuma Scorpions had an estimated local economic impact of $3.21 million. The majority of the economic impact was felt during May 28 and August 28, 2005, according to a study by the Center for Economic Development at California State University in Chico, Calif. More than 100 jobs, mostly part-time, were created because of the baseball team. The league spent the majority of its money locally, according to the study. It was estimated that $9 out of every $10 generated by the team was spent in Yuma.

Baseball Notes
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"Singing" Ed Nottle will return to the Sioux City Explorers (independent; American Association) as manager for the 2006 season. Nottle was the original manager of the X's in 1993 and stayed with them through the 2000 season. In his eight seasons, he amassed a regular season record of 343-318 losses and made the playoffs in 1994 and 1999. He also managed the Duluth-Superior Dukes (independent; Northern League) and the Brockton Rox (independent; Can-Am League)....

MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark
Posted January 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Major League Baseball plans to file a claim with the American Arbitration Association today, asking the organization to settle a standoff with the District government over the construction of a new Washington Nationals ballpark along the Anacostia waterfront, baseball President Bob DuPuy said. The move is baseball's response to the ongoing dispute over a stadium lease agreement for the publicly funded ballpark project and could raise the stakes by shifting the decision making away from the city to a three-member arbitration panel. The arbitration may take a while: both sides present their arguments in nonbinding arbitration that lasts no more than 15 days; this is followed by a negotiating period and then by binding arbitration.
    RELATED STORIES: Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done; Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark; Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease; Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year; D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed; Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease; MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site; D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions; True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget; Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark; New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

Will Midland get minor league baseball team?
Posted January 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's a report about the possibility of Midland, Mich., luring a Midwest League team to the area. There have been efforts to bring a team to the region -- most notably, to nearby Bay City -- in recent years, but this effort involves the move of the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League) to a new privately financed ballpark, with the team owned and operated by former Dow Chemical executives. Nothing is imminent, of course, but with efforts to land a new ballpark in Battle Creek falling short of stated goals, a move of the team isn't out of the question.

Anaheim may plan on Angels move in 2016
Posted January 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is indeed long-term planning: The city of Anaheim will not refurbish or replace Angel Stadium if the team continues to affiliate itself with Los Angeles and will expect the team to move to Los Angeles in 11 years, according to a court filing by city attorneys. The Angels can opt out of their stadium lease in 2016, and owner Arte Moreno has openly wondered what condition the ballpark might be in by then. If the Angels wish to stay in Anaheim in a new or renovated stadium, the city claims, they should drop Los Angeles and feature the Anaheim name because "only by doing so will Anaheim have sufficient incentive to … make the economic concessions to keep the team in Anaheim."

Scoring with minor-league sports investing
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National Sports Services of Greenwood Village sees opportunity in minor-league baseball and aims to use an estimated $7 million in private-equity funds to build two ballparks along the Front Range. The independent-league franchises in Aurora and Arvada are set to begin in 2007, and the company eyes expansion in Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, Ohio and Indianapolis, too. The roughly $7 million required for the Colorado baseball teams will come from the company's top executives and an outside investor group that includes Donald Karras, who will serve as one of the principal owners of the Aurora and Arvada teams. The remainder of the cost is being financed through debt.

Update on new Idaho Falls Chukars ballpark
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No new ballpark for the Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League) this season, as no construction firm stepped forward to bid on the project. The team will re-let the bids and shoot for construction to begin in September after the Pioneer League season ends. The Chukars will play this season at their longtime home, McDermott Field.

Attendance key to Defenders' lease at Dodd
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The Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) did make a commitment to Norwich after signing a long-term lease to stay at Dodd Stadium, but there are some clauses raising some red flags among observers. While the lease runs six years -- through the 2012 season -- an out allows the Defenders to leave as early as the end of the 2009 season. If the team left, then it would have to pay the city $140,000, lesser amounts if it left in 2010 or 2011.

Bistro chef switch-hits: Wong to help run ballpark restaurant
Posted January 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Charleston (W.Va.) City Council members on Monday approved a lease of space at the Morris Square warehouse beside the Appalachian Power Park, the home of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) to Power Alley Grill LLC. Chef Robert Wong , who owns and manages the Bridge Road Bistro and was named one of the nation's hottest young chefs by Gourmet magazine, will help manage the new restaurant. Patrons will enter the restaurant from the main ballpark entrance off Morris Street. Seating capacity is estimated at 140 inside, about 20 at the full-service bar and another 80 outdoors, overlooking the playing field.

Baseball Notes
Posted January 4, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Sioux City Explorers (independent; American Association) named Shane Tritz general manager effective immediately. Tritz will be formally introduced at a press conference Wednesday afternoon along with the announcement of the X's field manager for 2006. Tritz, 29, spent the past three seasons (two as general manager) in south Texas with the Coastal Bend Aviators (independent; Central Baseball League). Tritz also worked three seasons in the Explorers front office (1999, 2001, and 2002) and one season with the Omaha Royals (2000).

Bronx beep playing hardball on new Yankee Stadium plan
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here's an update on the new Yankee Stadium currently planned for the Bronx. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión continues his support of the project, but it comes with some strings attached: conversion of the historic Yankee Stadium into a community ballfield complete with a Yankees Hall of Fame, hotel and convention center, and a High School for Sports Industry Careers across the street from the new Yankee Stadium complex. Also, Carrión wants to see interim park facilities completed before construction begins on the new ballpark. While the current proposal includes replacement for Macombs Dam Park and Mullaly Park, many of those facilities won't be finished until after the ballpark and surrounding parking garages are completed.
    RELATED STORIES: Yank prez hits foes of stadium; Carrion to unveil plan for parkland lost to Yankee Stadium project

Talks for new A's ballpark sputter
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's ambitious plan to redevelop a swath of industrial Oakland into a residential ballpark village appears to remain just that: a plan. In recent weeks, team representatives and officials in Oakland and Alameda County have spoken more about the plan's difficulties than ways to make it work. And with team owner Lewis Wolff making April the deadline for having a plan and location in place, it is beginning to look like the ballpark village will not happen. The land eyed by the A's is worth more than $100 million, and government officials are hesitant to use eminent domain to acquire the 100 properties -- and with many landowners unwilling to sell, the project is now stalled. Officials are pushing the A's to build a new ballpark on the existing Coliseum grounds, but a) the other teams may not want to lose the parking, even temporarily, and b) there's probably less potential of serious redevelopment on that site.
    RELATED STORIES: Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sometimes you hurt your own case when you talk too much, which seems to be the case with this op-ed piece written by MLB COO and president Bob DuPuy, laying out all the reasons why Washington, D.C. officials have screwed up a new-ballpark deal for the Washington Nationals. Basically, DuPuy's biggest argument is that a deal's a deal -- but the problem with his logic is that the D.C. Council has not signed off on a lease, so it's not really a finished deal. It's not clear whether things are as dire as DuPuy makes them sound -- the D.C. Council is discussing changes to the original ballpark agreement, not scrapping it completely -- and MLB officials are not as innocent as DuPuy makes them sound here. Meanwhile, discussions between the District and MLB officials continued over the New Year's Eve weekend.
    RELATED STORIES: Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark; Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease; Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year; D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed; Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease; MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site; D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions; True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget; Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark; New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today; Williams defends Anacostia site for Nats ballpark; Cropp to limit exposure of ballpark plan; Cropp stands by Anacostia ballpark site as Council debate on financing looms; D.C. Council seeks to revisit ballpark deal; Nationals more profitable than budgeted; D.C. will earn less, though; MLB sets price tag of $450 million for Nats; As ballpark clock ticks, D.C. officials bicker; D.C. lease progress is slow; MLB is thinking locally for Nats; Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done; MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council

Expect a plan but no ballpark
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Based on interviews with a political-science professor and a ballpark opponent, Aron Kahn is writing off the chances of the Minnesota Legislature approving a new ballpark plan for the Twins this upcoming session. He's right in that the circumstances surrounding the session -- a short session with both houses and the governor's office up for election in the fall -- will make it difficult to pass state authorization of the sales tax. Polls have shown voters against public funding of a ballpark, but the twist here is that state voters are not being asked to approve funding: the Legislature is being asked to approve Hennepin County's financing of a ballpark. It's a nuance, but an important one, and one that could be sold by Gov. Tim Pawlenty statewide. The fact that the last three special elections in the last two months yielded public support for the ballpark may change some minds at the Capitol as well. We're not so sure any plan will go down to defeat (but, then again, we talk to more people than a political-science professor and a ballpark opponent), but two things must happen: Pawlenty must stay personally involved, and the Twins will need to pony up some additional money. More from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal and the Fargo Forum.
    RELATED STORIES: Pawlenty steps in for Twins ballpark; Twins ballpark financing deal unlikely to be renewed; Minnesota House GOP opposes special session for Twins ballpark; Bonoff won despite supporting ballpark; Hennepin County gives go-ahead for study related to Twins ballpark; Don't leave Twins special session up in air; Selig seeks action on Twins ballpark; Twins to Las Vegas? Looks like a long shot; Twins could be hot commodity; Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case; Reggie Jackson: I'll buy the Twins; Stadiums a political juggling act for Pawlenty; Selig keeps close tabs on Twins ballpark situation; Twins sue to get out of Metrodome lease; MLB officials, Pawlenty discuss Twins ballpark; Minnesota stadium special session looks doomed; Minnesota special session may not include Twins ballpark; Twins: Ballpark costs to rise $30 million if approval is delayed; Stadium proposals jostle for support in Minnesota; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; Best-kept secret about the Minnesota ballpark; Possible Twins site has new life; Roof or no? The debate rages in Minnesota; Ballpark deal: Pohlad must share; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Baseball, stadium would benefit city
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cape Coral (Fla.) Mayor Eric Feichthaler lays out the reasons why the city should pursue a new spring-training facility for the Cleveland Indians and perhaps a minor-league franchise. Cape Coral is in the greater Fort Myers area, and a new facility there would create a pretty nice synergy with the Red Sox and the Twins, who both train in Fort Myers. The issue for Feichthaler: selling the training facility as a year-round facility, used for minor-league baseball (affiliated or independent) and other baseball tournaments. More on the issue from the Naples Daily News.
    RELATED STORIES: Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

In memoriam: Dan Carnevale
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Dan Carnevale, longtime scout for the Cleveland Indians, former minor-league manager and fixture in the Dunn Tire Park press box, passed away last Thursday. He was 87. He was the only man to serve the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) as a player, manager and general manager, but his influence extended far past Buffalo: he was known by most oldtimers in baseball, and he was the sort of fixture that makes baseball such a special sport.

Outback chief feels hope, fear for Rays
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Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham was an original investor in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and although he walked away from the team several years ago, he still retains an interest in the team and recently met with the new owners. His conclusion: baseball can work in Tampa Bay, but in the long run either the Rays need a new ballpark in Tampa or baseball must change its economic structure to allow smaller-market teams a chance to succeed.

Restaurant on way to ballpark
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
City officials are close to finalizing a deal to bring a baseball-themed restaurant and sports bar to the warehouse adjacent to Appalachian Power Park. Backers of the new restaurant, to be called Power Alley Grill, have submitted a proposed lease, which City Manager David Molgaard has been reviewing. When the City Council meets Tuesday, it will vote on authorizing Mayor Danny Jones to sign the agreement, said Rod Blackstone, the mayor’s assistant. The goal is to have the restaurant opened by the beginning of the West Virginia Power (Class A; Sally League) season. The investment group behind the restaurant is made up mostly of the Power's owners.

Defenders sign lease extension through 2009
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The City of Norwich and the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League) have officially signed a new lease that keeps the team at Dodd Stadium through the 2009 season. The lease negotiation process to extend the terms of the lease beyond the 2006 season began shortly after the purchase of the team in April by new President and Managing Partner, Lou DiBella.

Arts package heads the agenda for city funding, but baseball is now up to bat with a new plan
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the proposal for a new downtown ballpark for the Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League). The plan is complex: the city would swap Marshall Park in Second Ward with the county for control of a Third Ward park site the county owns. The city would then agree to give the Knights a long-term lease on the Third Ward property for construction of a ballpark, which the team's consultants have long said is the ideal location for the franchise. The Knights ownership and unnamed private sources would pay for construction of the $34 million ballpark. The city would pay for infrastructure improvements, which could cost millions of dollars.
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Baseball Notes
Posted January 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Salem Avalanche (Class A; Carolina League) have added Scott Burton and Jeanne Boester to their front office staff. Burton, 29, will work as the director of food and beverage with the club heading up concessions at the ballpark. Boester, 24, joins the organization as an account executive/ticket sales representative, working to help run the ticket office throughout the season....