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Archives: Feb. 11-17, 2008

Marlins ballpark inches closer to fruition; deal could be done by Thursday
Posted Feb. 17, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Florida Marlins are this close to closing a deal on a new ballpark, as the team, Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami work out the final financial details. A 94-page outline of the deal was sent to all pertinent parties Saturday night, and it basically completed the financial underpinnings of the $525-million funding plan. Miami-Dade will contribute $347 million (mostly from tourist tax dollars) toward a new ballpark on the Orange Bowl site, while the city of Miami will pay $23 million, including $10 million toward the demolition of the historic football facility. (Lest you think the city got off easy, it will pick up the costs of a $94 million parking ramp.) The Marlins have stuck with their commitment of $155 million, with $120 million at the beginning of the process and the rest due in $2.3 million in annual rent payments and contributions toward capital improvements. The team will commit to a 35-year lease and will cover all cost overruns. What is somewhat surprising is that the agreement calls for the 41,000-seat ballpark to be open in April 2011, which makes for an extremely tight deadline when you consider the ballpark site needs a fair amount of prep work in the form of Orange Bowl demolition: that may prove to be overly optimistic. The Marlins also scaled back on some of their other requests -- they will not be receiving free office space from the city, and state funding is now completely off the table -- but they will change their name to the Miami Marlins. The deal could be consummated as early as Thursday. More from the Miami Herald.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins ballpark plan hits parking snag; More specifics revealed on new Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami mayor swings for the fences with ballpark plan; Vote on new Marlins ballpark delayed; Braman makes pitch against new Fish pond; Marlins to seek state aid for new ballpark; New ballpark could be suite deal for commissioners; Plan for Marlins ballpark gets support from Miami-Dade; Marlins funding closer to reality; Marlins' ballpark plan gets new life; New Marlins ballpark funding plan proposed; Marlins: Ballpark woes led to trade; Marlins ballpark negotiations continue; Marlins' share key to ballpark deal; DuPuy: Marlins ballpark top priority; Ho hum: Marlins hand county yet another ballpark deadline; Marlins may get $50 million for new ballpark; DuPuy meets with Crist about new Fish ballpark, says MLB will make use of Dodgertown; Marlins about to bring ballpark deal in from the bullpen; Selig receptive to Orange Bowl site for new Marlins ballpark; UM exit from Orange Bowl paves way for new Marlins ballpark; Selig: Relocation an option if ballpark issue not settled; University of Miami might leave Orange Bowl by '08; Is there room for Marlins in South Florida?; Moss to seek changes in Marlins' name, spring training; Marlins' reaction to no state funding of ballpark: muted; State funding for Marlins ballpark dies when session ends; Senate leader: no deal with slots, Marlins ballpark; Slots, Marlins ballpark financing in tax-bill mix; Vote on Marlins ballpark financing again comes late in legislative session; New Marlins ballpark bill likely to strike out; State House endorses $60 million for Marlins ballpark in Miami; Marlins' pitch for ballpark cash apt to fall short; Dade lawmaker unsure about Marlins subsidy; Miami officials offended at Loria's insistence on downtown ballpark

Solomon to buy Catfish
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Art Solomon, owner of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), and Rick Brenner have agreed to buy the Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League) from David Heller and will file a Control Interest Transfer as early as next week (Technically speaking, Solomon did not exercise his earlier option to buy the Catfish. That option expired last Friday without a sale being culminated.) Terms of the sale are not public, but we're guessing the sale price went up in recent weeks after the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) announced a move to Gwinnett County: with an Eastern League assumed to be moving to Richmond at some point in the future, an unencumbered Sally League team would be a natural to move to, say, Erie. The question is whether the team stays at Golden Park in 2009 or moves to a new Bowling Green ballpark. Solomon has agreed to supply a team to a new 4,000-seat ballpark in downtown Bowling Green; the city has pledged $25 million in bonds (subject to state approval; we've been told; state approval is not guaranteed) and plans a ballpark opening in 2009. There are still several steps that need to be taken before that happens. First, as an existing owner in good stead, no one expects any issues with Solomon buying the team. But a move to Bowling Green is another issue: the market is small (the population is only 53,000 or so), and you need to go out quite a ways to reach 100,000. (Basically, you need to throw Owensboro in the mix to reach 100,000, and there's a reason why some very sharp people in indy ball have focused on Owensboro, not Bowling Green, as a potential market.) Solomon will need to submit an analysis of how the move affects other teams, including potential schedules and travel costs, before the league signs off, and we're already sensing opposition to the move among Sally League owners. (There are also owners who wholeheartedly support the move.) The bottom line is that a move to Bowling Green isn't assured, but it is doable if Solomon really wants the market, and we suspect there are some other financial and investment issues at play here.
    If the Catfish move, that leaves Columbus and Golden Park open. There's little chance affiliated ball will return there -- city officials have proven difficult to work with and put off needed repairs to the ballpark, even when a portion of the ballpark wall collapsed -- so that leaves the independent South Coast League, whose officials would be more than happy to occupy a decent ballpark in a larger market. More from the Ledger-Enquirer.
    RELATED STORIES: Catfish to Bowling Green; Future of Bowling Green ballpark project to be decided this week

Sarasota County offers $17.6 million toward Ed Smith Stadium renovation
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Sarasota County officials gave a solid signal they want the Cincinnati Reds to continue training at Ed Smith Stadium by committing $17.6 million toward a renovation of the spring-training complex. Whether the money will ever be spent is another issue: the Reds are in the midst of a 75-day exclusive negotiation period with Goodyear, Ariz., over a potential move to a new spring-training complex to be shared with the Cleveland Indians. It's estimated that a renovation of Ed Smith Stadium would cost $41 million; the Reds would be expected to kick $10 million or so into the project, with the rest coming from other governmental entities. More from the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Carol Lee discusses the political realities surrounding the pursuit of the Reds.
    RELATED STORIES: New Arizona spring-training venues on schedule; Reds eye move west; Sarasota delays decision on Ed Smith Stadium improvements; Reds ask about Lee County as possible spring-training home; Sarasota to woo Reds; Reds exploring spring move to Arizona; Orioles on their way to Dodgertown?; Community must face up to future of Ed Smith Stadium; New Dodgers/ChiSox training facility still up in the air

New for 2008: Ottawa Rapids
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The new Ottawa team in the independent Can-Am Association will be known as the Rapids (or Rapides, for the French-speaking fans) and begin play on May 22, as the team hold a press conference today to announce the developments. The first manager of the team: Singing Ed Nottle.

Cost of new Twins ballpark rises by $22.4 million
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has built anything -- just ask Mr. Blandings. The cost of the new downtown Minneapolis Minnesota Twins ballpark has risen by $22.4 million, a cost the Twins will bear under the terms of their lease with Hennepin County. Team president Jerry Bell says the increased costs cover upgrades such as a better scoreboard and a soffit to cover the exposed beams of the canopy that hangs over the infield. (The soffit serves a dual purpose: it will hide steel beams that could rust and will discourage pigeons from taking up residence. Guess the Twins won't need to be hanging those plastic owls in the grandstand.) The tab is now up to $412.4 million. As frequently happens, some other plans are changing, too. Some money that was going to be directed to helping the neighborhood and straighten out street congestion is being diverted elsewhere to cover infrastructure needs. In a quote we think he might wish to rephrase at some point, Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat said, "I know some neighbors will be a little disappointed, but [the county's infrastructure share of] $90 million only goes so far." More from the Star Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Twins see brisk sale in suite sales; Hennepin County says ballpark appraisal process tainted by crooked evaluation; Twins, ballpark authority to spend $2.5M on "green" features; Twins ballpark design clears big hurdle with quick board vote; New info on Twins ballpark unveiled; Final price tag for Twins ballpark land: $28.5 million; Mediator will try to find a ballpark land solution; Hennepin County makes insulting offer to Twins ballpark landowners; Landowners make settlement offer in Twins ballpark dispute; Twins finally hold groundbreaking for new ballpark; Landowners to appeal valuation of Twins ballpark parcel; A new dispute on ballpark land figures; Twins ballpark site worth $23.8 million, says condemnation panel; Greed circles the plate at Twins ballpark site; Hennepin County, land owners remain far apart on value of ballpark site; Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up; 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

MECA formally opposes new ballpark on its land
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In another sign a downtown Omaha ballpark proposal is falling apart, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority board passed a resolution that says neither Lots C or E next to Qwest Event Center should be used for the ballpark. Board members say they had not been provided enough information about the ballpark proposal and were concerned about parking and traffic. The resolution passed easily -- 4-1 -- and shows how averse to the project the board is. Mayor Mike Fahey wants to see a new ballpark on Qwest Center land for use by the NCAA College World Series and the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but with the MECA board opposing the proposal and the O-Royals fielding offers for new ballparks from other communities, it would appear the one-size-fits-all approach may not work. The more logical plan: renovate Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for the NCAA College World Series and build a new downtown ballpark for the O-Royals, moves that can be done for $50 million less than what the mayor is proposing.
    RELATED STORIES: Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?; O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; 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

New for 2008: Steinbrenner Field
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Goodbye Legends Field, hello Steinbrenner Field. Hank and Hal Steinbrenner today announced that the New York Yankees will rename Legends Field, their spring-training facility, George M. Steinbrenner Field. The name change follows two unanimous resolutions recommending and supporting the change by the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council.
    In a joint statement Hank and Hal Steinbrenner said, "Speaking on behalf of the entire family, we couldn't be more pleased about the fact that Legends Field will now become George M. Steinbrenner Field. We have been residents of Tampa for over 30 years, and we feel this is a terrific way to honor our father's longstanding philanthropic commitment to Tampa. Our father has always made clear how much he values Tampa's role in playing host to the New York Yankees' spring-training and the Tampa Yankees. The outpouring of community support for this name change has been wonderful to watch, and we're very grateful for the acknowledgement of his achievements and contributions it represents."

Giants make pitch for AT&T Park development
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With 16 acres next to AT&T Park in play after the city announced its availability for development, three groups, including one with the San Francisco Giants involved, announced their desire to participate. The city envisions converting parking lots to a mixed-use development involving shops, parks, entertainment, arts, housing and office buildings. The Giants plan, put together by the team and The Cordish Co., involves 875 housing units, 800,000 square feet of office space. a parking garage, a 5,000-seat music hall, an entertainment district, a 5-acre park and refurbished waterfront amenities. More from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Blaze not for sale -- maybe
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Owner D.G. Elmore says the Bakersfield Blaze (High Class A; California League) isn't for sale, as he turned away an offer to discuss a whole or partial sale of the team from Jonathan Fleisig. Fleisig owns the Bakersfield Condors hockey team and has in the past held an interest in other hockey and independent-baseball teams, including the New Haven County Cutters. Elmore says not much is up with the Blaze: there are no talks ongoing regarding a new ballpark. The Blaze finished last in Cal League attendance last season. More from the Bakersfield Californian.

Astros extends PDCs with Corpus Christi, Round Rock
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Houston Astros and Ryan-Sanders Baseball announced a two-year extension of the Player Development Contracts (PDC) between the Astros and two affiliates: Triple A Round Rock and Double A Corpus Christi. Both affiliates are under the Ryan-Sanders Baseball ownership group, and the contracts will run through the 2010 season. The move comes as Ryan-Sanders principal Nolan Ryan becomes president of the Texas Rangers. More on affiliations here.

New for 2008: Gesa Stadium
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The Tri-City Dust Devils (short season; Northwest League) and Gesa Credit Union announced that the Dust Devils' home ballpark will now be named Gesa Stadium. As part of the 10-year agreement, a minimum of $50,000 will be put back into the ballpark in improvements. The 12-year old facility is owned by the City of Pasco, and is used by many local groups in addition to serving as the Home of the Dust Devils. The Dust Devils have had the right to sell the title sponsorship of the stadium for the past four years, and that right is continued in the new 10-year lease that was recently signed by the City of Pasco and the Dust Devils. In addition to the stadium naming rights, Gesa's title sponsorship package provides for a significant increase in the company's presence at the ballpark. Fans will see multiple Gesa Stadium signs and enjoy new promotional and giveaway nights sponsored by Gesa Credit Union each year of the agreement.

Opposition to new Rays ballpark growing?
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Is opposition to a new $450-million waterfront ballpark on the Al Lang Field site increasing? The St. Pete Times says so, but there's not much presented in the way of actual evidence, such as petition drives or attendance at community meetings. The issue is whether the city withheld information from citizens on the future of Al Lang Field last summer, before the Rays unveiled a ballpark proposal. City officials say they couldn't discuss a new Rays ballpark in the context of Al Lang Field because there was no proposal on the table; citizens say the city withheld crucial information. It doesn't sound like the future of Al Lang Field is really the concern of neighborhood activists; this is a vehicle to drum up opposition to the new ballpark. More from the St. Pete Times.
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Renovations to AT&T Bricktown Ballpark under consideration
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett thinks AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, the home of the Oklahoma Redhawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), could be used more and is looking to hire Conventions Sports & Leisure International to look at potential improvements to the ballpark. In baseball terms, the ballpark is used fairly often: besides the Redhawks games, the ballpark costs college matches in the spring and the Triple-A championship series. More likely to happen: renovations at the 10-year-old facility to keep it looking fresh. More from The Oklahoman.

Luzerne County suspends efforts to oppose SWB Yankees sale
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Luzerne County has suspended efforts to oppose the sale of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (Class AAA; International League), pending results of talks with a new Lackawanna County board. Luzerne County officials say they own half the team and are due half the proceeds of the sale; the former Lackawanna County board said this was not the case. More from the Citizens Voice. Meanwhile, Lackawanna County commissioners will begin reviewing five proposals for a professional baseball consultant to work on negotiations with SWB Yankees LLC and spearhead a study of PNC Field.
    RELATED STORIES: New Scranton ballpark not a done deal; Lawmakers amend budget to include funds for Moosic ballpark; Mandalay promised new ballpark in SWB?; Baseball study: Sale of SWB Yankees risky; Cordaro claims a role in minor-league turnaround; Is PNC Field debt-free? Sides disagree; Commissioners postpone decision on baseball suit; Yankees set to break attendance record; Law firms hired in Yankees flap; Mandalay eyes expansion; Value of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees questioned; Sale of Harrisburg franchise raises questions about Yanks; Luzerne County officials finally out of the bullpen; County rejects Triple-A agreement; Potential sale of SWB Yankees approved; Luzerne County explores options on baseball deals; Blaum wants 1986 ballpark contract honored; Potential sale of the SWB Yankees approved; Lackawanna County minority commissioner wants stadium authority to pay off county; Yanks filling seats in Moosic; Once again, it’s all about the Yankees; New for 2007: PNC Field; Work on Lackawanna County Stadium progresses; New for 2007: the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees; End of Astroturf at Lackawanna County Stadium; Here to stay, keep baseball fifty-fifty; Red Barons will stay, Mandalay vows; Moosic councilman presses county on amusement tax; New grass field, fixing leaks are ballpark priorities; Hard-nosed Mandalay known for investments in minor-league teams; Will Moosic get a new ballpark?; Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, California management firm heading to Moosic; Mets representatives expected to tour Lackawanna County Stadium today; Proposal would combine front offices of Barons and Pens; It's official: Yankees leaving Columbus; move to Scranton a done deal?; Authority will consider giving Cordaro power; Yankees to SWB?

State approves $7 million grant for new Blue Crabs ballpark
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The state of Maryland has approved a $7 million grant for a new Waldorf ballpark currently under construction for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League). The matching grant for Regency Furniture Stadium is bring financed by Charles County, the state and Maryland Baseball, the owner of the team. That group includes Peter Kirk and former Orioles great Brooks Robinson. More from Southern Maryland Online.

Funding for new Reno ballpark revised
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With the credit market contracting because of issues in the subprime world, financing of a new ballpark for the relocating Tucson Sidewinders (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) was revised, with Washoe County agreeing to provide up to $1.45 million in a reserve fund to back a private bond sale. SK Baseball, which is buying the team and overseeing the ballpark construction, says it will repay the money. More from the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Citi Field taking shape
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Citi Field, the new home of the New York Mets, is on schedule to open in the 2009 season. The signature item to the entrance, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, is now halfway completed, and most of the façade on the south side of the ballpark is in place. The new ballpark will hold only 43,000, down from the 57,333 capacity at Shea Stadium, but there will be much more in the way of suites and premium seating. In one big change, the Mets announced the giant fiberglass big apple will be making the more from Shea Stadium. More from Newsday and the New York Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Billy Joel to play last concert at Shea Stadium; Approach of winter a big factor in NYC ballpark race; Finales set for Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium; Progress report: New York's new ballparks; The stadium chase; Yankees, Mets won't sell seat licenses; ballpark funds in place; Whole new ballgame; Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk; New York City receives IRS approval on ballpark bonds; New York Agency approves ballpark financing for Yankees, Mets; MTA pressed to create shortcut to Shea; Is Steinbrenner house, which Ruth built, poor?; NY City Council easily passes Yankees, Mets ballpark bonding bills; Squeeze play on Mets ballpark; Mets: Forget about naming new park after Jackie Robinson; New Mets ballpark deal is stalled; Squeeze play on the Mets; Strike one for new Mets ballpark; Mets park's name will fetch millions; Mets unveil plans for new ballpark; Yankees, Mets closer to new ballparks; City goes to bat for Yankees, Mets ballparks; State agency approves plans for Yankees, Mets ballparks

Cheney Stadium village proposal under consideration
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
More on the idea of making Cheney Stadium, the historic home of the Tacoma Rainiers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), the centerpiece of a big redevelopment in Tacoma. Everything in the Cheney Stadium area -- including the ballpark itself -- would be under consideration as planners look at a mixed-use complex with housing and retail. It sounds like the city is eager to retain the Rainiers, and a local prominent developer sees the ballpark as the centerpiece of the redevelopment in Tacoma. More from the News Tribune.
    RELATED STORIES: Cheney Stadium may be center of Tacoma redevelopment

Zell's insistence on selling Cubs, park separately slowing sale
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Not a surprise if you've been following the sale of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field via this site. Sam Zell thinks he can maximize the asking price of the team and Wrigley Field if he breaks them apart, but by doing so he's increased the complexity of the deal to the point where it's doubtful a deal can be done this year. We've heard from one potential buyer that they're directly requested to bid on both, only to be rebuffed in that effort. For the buyers, negotiations to sell Wrigley Field to the state slows things down and actually devalues the price of the franchise somewhat; you can't budget for a buy without knowing what you're buying. Complicating things: Zell will want to sell the team to the highest bidder, a process MLB doesn't always follow. More from the Wall Street Journal.
    RELATED STORIES: Cubs: Wrigley should pay for Wrigley Field naming rights; Cubs sale probably won't happen until after end of season; Tunney wary of Wrigley deal; Daley now open to idea of state ownership of Wrigley Field; Selling Cubbies priority for new owner; Trib closes buyout; sale of Cubs, Wrigley Field to follow; Wringing cash from Wrigley Field; Cubs, state confirm preliminary Wrigley talks; State looks to buy Wrigley Field

ANC to provide new Orioles Park video screen
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The Maryland Stadium Authority selected ANC Sports Enterprises to renovate the existing light emitting diode (LED) signage and video screen system at Orioles Park at Camden Yards with Mitsubishi Electric's Diamond Vision technology for the 2008 Major League Baseball season.
    Highlighted by a new 24-by-74-foot 20mm Quad Diamond Vision video screen, which will be positioned on top of the scoreboard, the new LED signage system will feature more than 5,000 square feet of animated signage.
     ANC Sports is also replacing the existing main scoreboard with a 30-by-40 foot full color Diamond Vision matrix, while the right field outfield wall will come to life with a 14½-by-68 foot out-of-town scoreboard capable of displaying full motion video. The video display system renovation also includes over 200 feet of LED "ribbon" on both the upper and lower deck fascia..

Eels late, but are they out?
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Years have come and gone since the owners of the Plymouth River Eels announced plans to build a new ballpark and join an independent league, but they say they're still proceeding with plans to build a facility. Delays are said to be due to a bankrupt contractor and changes in the project; a sports center and restaurant have been scrapped, replaced by a convention center and office space. City officials say the $40 million needed to build the facility is still there. Perhaps. More from the Old Colony Bulletin.

Disney Institute to train Nats employees on the fine art of customer service
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The Washington Nationals plan on upgrading customer service at Nationals Park, their new home, via employee training from the Disney Institute. Members of the Disney Institute held a daylong seminar for more than 30 members of the team's executive staff yesterday and will hold another today for all other customer service employees. More from the Washington Times.
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Dodd Stadium improvements to be done by Opening Day
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Some much-needed improvements to Dodd Stadium, the home of the Connecticut Defenders (Class AA; Eastern League), should be ready by Opening Day. Most of the improvements center on things off the field, such as sprinkler systems and restrooms. One issue still to be determined by the Defenders: whether to charge $2 per car for parking. The city doesn't particularly want to see a parking fee enacted by the Defenders, but the team says it needs the revenues. More from The Day.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) will broadcast all of their 2008 games on Relevant Radio 1330 AM. The switch to 1330 AM allows Saints fans the opportunity to follow the team easily within the 13-county metro area and much of the surrounding region of Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Relevant Radio 1330 AM will broadcast all 96 Saints home games, the 2008 American Association All-Star game, which the Saints will host, and all potential playoff games. The station features Catholic programming; fans will be able to recite the rosary and then hear about Sister Rosalind....Dave Woloshin will join the broadcasting team for the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) this season and handle play-by-play duties for 10-15 games this summer....

Smokies to install high-def scoreboard
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is a trend we expect to see storming through the minors in the next several seasons. The Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) and Daktronics announced an agreement to provide one of the first HD-X video displays in minor-league baseball at Smokies Park in Sevierville, Tenn. The new display will be among the largest LED (light emitting diode) video displays in minor-league baseball and will be installed prior to the start of the 2008 Southern League season.
    Daktronics new HD-X LED technology will be installed in the existing outfield scoreboard structure and will contain almost three times the viewing area of the existing matrix display. The new video display will measure approximately 36 feet wide by 17 feet high and will feature resolution on 16 millimeter (.63”) line spacing.
    "With the installation of the latest Daktronics HD-X LED technology, fans will see a 'big league' atmosphere at Smokies Park," said Brian Cox, General Manager of the Tennessee Smokies. "Our new opportunity to show replays, highlights, graphics and animations on a larger-than-life display in incredible high-density resolution will greatly enhance the quality of the entertainment experience at the ballpark."
    The 2008 season upgrade will also include Daktronics LED technology replacing the existing game scoreboard. Smokies players and fans will be informed of game information displayed on a large 36 foot wide by 9 foot high baseball scoreboard. Additionally, the existing message center display will be relocated to provide out-of-town scores and other game information.

Catfish to Bowling Green
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We're not quite ready to buy our season tickets to the Bowling Green Whatevers yet, but we did want to follow up on last week's story about the Columbus Catfish (Low Class A; Sally League) being the team heading to a new ballpark there for the 2009 season. What's going on: last week the city approved the sale of $25 million in bonds to jump-start a downtown development, with the money dedicated to a new 4,000-seat ballpark. The agreement specifies that a Sally League team be the tenant in the ballpark, with Art Solomon, who also owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League), pledging the team and a 20-year lease. Whether all of this happens remains to be seen; more than one Sally League owner has indicated privately to us they are skeptical about the Bowling Green market and whether it will be worth the extra travel involved. (Bowling Green will push the league farther west.) We don't expect paperwork to hold up this deal, however: given Solomon's existing ownership of a MILB team and (what we assume, anyway) solid finances. We also expect the independent South Coast League to show a public interest in Golden Park in the near future. More from the Ledger-Enquirer.
    RELATED STORIES: Future of Bowling Green ballpark project to be decided this week

St. Pete newspaper: errors plague Rays ballpark debate
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Petersburg Times is taking the city government to task for being secretive when it came to what to do with Al Lang Field. Basically, the newspaper says the mayor should have revealed early last year that the Tampa Bay Rays were looking at using the site for a new $450-million waterfront ballpark. We're not sure such an early announcement would have done anyone good. For one thing, there's always ballpark chatter surrounding any team playing in an older facility like Tropicana Field, and we're guessing the Al Lang Field site wasn't the only one under consideration by the Rays. Second, it's usually bad form for news of a ballpark proposal to run too far ahead of the actual proposal. So the criticism here may be a little on the naive side. Here's the full editorial.
    RELATED STORIES: Proposal for Al Lang park land conversion tabled for Rays ballpark plans; City lays out vision for Tropicana Field site; So, let's say the Trop's for sale....; Opponents say Rays, manatees don't mix; Rays will not seek state aid for new ballpark; Rays brass willing to be stakeholders in Trop site; It's outta here! But what's next?; Parking for proposed Rays ballpark an issue; Key player in Rays ballpark proposal won't show his hand; Rays' land request for ballpark may be hard to fill; Rays unveil plans for new ballpark; Rays: New ballpark could pump $1 billion into local economy; Rays ballpark plan kept secret for months; Land under the Trop is a developer's dream; Tampa Bay ballpark cost looms as curveball; Rays on the bay?

Price of Recreation Park renovation rises
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bids on the renovation of Recreation Park, the home of the Visalia Oaks (High Class A; California League), are above budget, forcing city officials and team owners to look at privately funding part of the work. The city has allocated $11.6 million for the entire renovation, which includes a new grandstand, but two bids for the right-field renovation came in at $8 million $7.74 million.

Is Omaha ballpark plan falling apart?
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The center cannot hold in Omaha, where planning for a new downtown ballpark is falling apart and increasingly under attack from all sides. Mayor Mike Fahey thought he had a plan for a new downtown ballpark, located on Qwest Center Omaha lots and funded by a restaurant tax. But the restaurant-tax plan has already been dumped, and no one likes his proposed site: the folks who run the Qwest Center Omaha, the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority (MECA), say losing part of their parking lot would endanger the long-term viability of the facility. Then the Omaha Royals (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) decided to look at alternatives to a downtown ballpark, meeting with officials from nearby Sarpy County and fielding discussions with officials from Council Bluffs and hinting they may look at a move to Vancouver, Tucson or Texas. Now former mayor Hal Daub is getting involved, questioning why the city isn't looking at a Union Pacific site for a new ballpark. Daub, a member of the MECA board, is firmly opposed to any use of Qwest Center parking lots for a new ballpark, and politically opposition from the MECA board would probably kill the project. The biggest problem, really, is that the needs of the NCAA for the College World Series are directly the opposite of what a smaller downtown ballpark brings to the equation. The NCAA wants a larger ballpark (25,000-30,000 seats) surrounded by lots of land and parking (the NCAA calls it a "clean zone") for staging a major event. The state of the art for a downtown Triple-A ballpark is 8,000 or so seats integrated into a downtown neighborhood, with the keyword being intimacy. Given these divergent needs, it's amazing to us the mayor still insists on an expensive downtown ballpark when the simpler and less expensive solution would be to renovate Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for the NCAA College World Series and build a new downtown ballpark for the O-Royals, moves that can be done for $50 million less than what the mayor is proposing. Member of the Omaha City Council were briefed yesterday on the various ballpark plans; we didn't discern a great deal of enthusiasm for any of them.
    RELATED STORIES: O-Royals ready to bail on new downtown ballpark?; Downtown ballpark remains choice of Omaha officials, despite higher price tag; Nebraska Legislature enters Omaha ballpark fray; Lot C emerges as frontrunner for new Omaha ballpark site; Two sites emerge as frontrunners for new Omaha ballpark; Omaha ballpark panel picks architects to evaluate sites; Save Rosenblatt Committee wants representative on mayor's ballpark committee; NCAA's feelers out for CWS sites; Omaha mayor's public pitch for ballpark begins; More options introduced for new home of College World Series; Skeptics of Omaha ballpark proposal look for return on funding; Public to have say on Omaha ballpark proposal; Omaha restaurant owners vow opposition to ballpark tax; Omaha mayor unveils $117-million ballpark plan; Rosenblatt group sends petitions to NCAA; Omaha and the CWS: City bids for 20-year deal; Omaha Royals support plan for new ballpark; NCAA ties College World Series to new ballpark; Today's video: Kevin Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; Costner: Save Rosenblatt Stadium; New downtown Omaha ballpark would be near Qwest; Rosenblatt fans try to draft Costner; Rosenblatt demolition among Omaha ballpark suggestions; Royals president says two baseball facilities can work; Petition drive aims to save Rosenblatt; 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

Royals: Renovation of Kauffman Stadium is on schedule
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Kansas City Royals say a renovation of Kauffman Stadium is right on schedule and on budget. The $250-million renovation process is slated to take two seasons, but some of the most dramatic changes should be evident by Opening Day. These include the installation of a new crown-shaped high definition videoboard in center field (an improvement on the old, iconic center-field scoreboard), renovated bullpens, more seats behind home plate, a new scoreboard in left field, and the replacement of the circular ramps behind the grandstand. Additional construction will occur throughout the course of the year, which may inconvenience fans a little; for instance, Gate 1 will be closed, as well as the outfield concourse.

Redfish to be travel team in '08; county not pleased
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Renovations to Charlotte Sports Park is forcing the independent South Coast League to convert the Charlotte County Redfish to a travel team. The complex is being upgraded for a Tampa Bay Rays spring-training site in 2009 and presumably the future home of a High Class A Florida State League team. The plan from Charlotte County officials was to convert a back practice field into the home of the Redfish, with limited bleacher seating. The SCL decided against that option. (It also simplified travel; with the Redfish a road team there's no reason for a Florida swing on the schedule.) Some Charlotte County officials say the team got a raw deal.

In memoriam: Karl Ehrhardt
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Karl Ehrhardt, the Sign Man of Shea Stadium in days before high-def scoreboards and video instant replays, has passed away. He was 83 and died of natural causes. From the Newsday article: "To the delight of fans, and sometimes the consternation of Mets management and players, Ehrhardt cheered, mocked and cajoled via 20-by-26-inch black paper signs with white block lettering from 1964 to 1981. His placards stood out from those of other Mets fans, whom the team encouraged to bring signs in the early 1960s, said Steve Jacobson, a former Newsday sports columnist."

New ballpark approved at Purdue
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved a new $15 million athletic-facilities upgrade that includes a 1,500-seat ballpark. The Northwest Athletics Complex, to be designed by Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Ltd., of Jackson, Mississippi, will allow the Boilermakers to keep pace with other Big Ten schools when it comes to facilities.

Renovations complete at Jackie Robinson Stadium
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Renovations to Jackie Robinson Stadium, the home of the UCLA Bruins, are ready for the beginning of the 2008 season. For the players, the biggest change was the installation of new Bermuda turf as well as a new drainage system. Other improvements included vinyl screens surrounding the ballpark, upgraded bullpens, a repainting of the support facilities, and more.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Feb. 12, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chuck Greenberg is the newest member of the Minor League Baseball Board of Trustees. Greenberg, president and managing partner of the Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League, State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High Class A; Carolina League), will serve as the Class-A Carolina League's representative on the 17-member Board...Donovan Mitchell is the new manager of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low Class A; Sally League) . Mitchell will lead a staff that features two returning members from the 2007 staff led by Tim Teufel. Mitchell, 38, managed the Mets Rookie League team in Kingsport, Tenn. the past two seasons. In two years with the K-Mets, Mitchell compiled a 69-66 record and guided them to a second place finish in the Appalachian League’s Western Division in 2007. Prior to his managerial work with Kingsport, he served as the hitting coach with the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2004 and 2005....Jay Burham is out as play-by-play announcer for the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association). He'll be replaced on broadcasts by interns....Tom Nichols is the new voice of the Dayton Dragons (High Class A; Midwest League). He spent the last three seasons as the voice of the Gary SouthShore RailCats (independent; Northern League)....

A's pushing 2008 season tix with new-ballpark access
Posted Feb. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland A's are tying access to a proposed new ballpark in Fremont to season-ticket sales this year, a move members of the front office admits is a stretch because of the distance between Oakland and Fremont. It's also a stretch because the new ballpark is expected to draw a significantly different (i.e., demographically more desirable) clientele in Fremont than the team does at McAfee Coliseum. Despite the confidence of A's officials, the new ballpark isn't yet a done deal: massive redevelopment plans do have a habit of imploding. The J. Wellington Wimpy sales pitch -- buy me a hamburger today and I will surely repay you someday -- is a standard one for teams moving into new ballparks (the Twins are currently deploying it with a great deal of effect, as we've had more than one season-ticket holder ask us where to snare future seats in the new ballpark), but the A's may be pulling it out a tad early.

Rogers steps down as Manatees GM; will take the reins in Huntsville
Posted Feb. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Buck Rogers, one of the most colorful and ebullient folks in minor-league baseball, has resigned as GM of the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) and will over as GM of the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League). In typical Buck fashion he sent a group of people a long, somewhat rambling message announcing the move, incorporating the details of an auto accident, the Manatees chaplains and his time in the military. (It's quite a personal statement; we didn't feel it appropriate to post the message here). All we can say is good luck to Buck. Taking over in Brevard County: Kyle Smith