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Archives: Nov. 6-12, 2005

A's may not sell tickets up top
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Oakland Athletics are looking at closing down the upper deck of McAfee Coliseum to patrons in an effort to cut costs. Currently there are 120 season ticket holders for the upper deck, but on most days the area is pretty barren. If the A's eliminate the third deck as an option, their capacity will shrink from 46,000-plus to 34,179. The team has drawn over 2 million each of the past five seasons, which would still be possible without the third deck. Teams do this all the time: the Expos scaled back the upper deck at Olympic Stadium and the Twins curtained off a chunk of seats at Metrodome.

Pitch isn't a hit with Eastern League
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA: Eastern League) owner Arthur Solomon may have jumped the gun this week when he announced his team would be playing the Portland Sea Dogs at Fenway Park next summer: both the Red Sox and Eastern League officials say there are plans for such a game. More troublesome: Solomon's suggestion that the Red Sox switch affiliation to his team. We don't think it will happen, and it sounds like he's been told in no uncertain terms it won't at this time -- and may be fined for tampering.
    RELATED STORIES: Fisher Cats, Sea Dogs to play at Fenway

Skylands might stay teamless
Posted November 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's a chance Skylands Park, the former home of the New Jersey Cardinals (short season; NY-Penn League), may be without professional baseball this summer after the independent Can-Am Association added Nashua as the eighth team and seemingly bypassed Sussex County. We've been hearing, however, that there's a chance the Can-Am Association may end up at 10 teams and adding Sussex County after all.
    RELATED STORIES: Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006; Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short; New owners, league possible for Pride; Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit; Can-Am Association considers Nashua; Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson

Young GMs will learn: no substitute for experience
Posted November 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hal Bodley ably addresses the issue of young GMs in MLB teams, like Texas's Jon Daniels (28 years old) and Tampa Bay's Andy Friedman 28 years old). It's interesting the two teams went ahead with a youth movement after two other younger GMs (Theo Epstein and Paul LoPodesta) left their team or was fired. We don't care much about the age of the GM -- experience is a valuable commodity and should always be a factor in the hiring process -- but there is one troublesome aspect to these young GMs: they don't feel it essential to watch every pitch of a game. And that's where inexperience comes in.

Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose
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Columnist Mark Purdy, who has consistently backed MLB baseball in San Jose, addresses the issue again. Some local citizens wondered why San Jose was acquiring land in downtown that could be used for a ballpark someday, and there actually is a decent rationale: even if a new ballpark never happen, the land could be used for other prime development. It will be a huge battle to get MLB in San Jose while the San Francisco Giants control the territory: there's a lot of money in them thar hills, and the Giants front office feels they couldn't give up that territory (perhaps in exchange for the East Bay) and continue debt service on SBC Park.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

The ballpark debate: Is it time? Yes, but ...
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minnesota folks just love to study things to death. Take, for example, this call from Eric Schubert to study the Twins' ballpark situation for six more months. Let's face it: we're not talking rocket science here, and the Twins ballpark situation has been studied for years by team officials, developers, legislative analysts and government employees. It also seems silly to compare the Minnesota situation to Sacramento, where the River Cats (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) play in a $40-million facility: it takes over $400 million to build a MLB park.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Minnesota governor to jump-start Twins ballpark discussions with legislative leaders; Key legislator backs special session to address Minnesota stadium issues; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Minneapolis Greens hope ballpark issue helps them in primary; Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; 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; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

New Era goes downtown
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
New Era Cap Co. will locate its world headquarters in the former Federal Reserve Building on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. In the process, it will add about 240 jobs to its Western New York payroll. The company plans to invest as much as $10 million to convert the staid financial building, known for its bulletproof glass windows and exterior gun turrets, into a fun, stadium-themed headquarters featuring a cap museum.

Boston owner Henry goes from hero to goat over 'same old Sox'
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Red Sox owner John Henry was hailed as a hero in Boston last year when the team won its first World Series since 1918. Today he's being criticized by fans and the media for losing general manager Theo Epstein, raising concern about the baseball club's prospects on and off the field. Epstein, 31, stunned Henry and the Red Sox-crazed city with his Halloween resignation, giving up one of the most- coveted jobs in the sport. The media swarmed Fenway Park, and Epstein slipped away unnoticed in a gorilla costume. The departure was a rare mistake for Henry, a billionaire who made his fortune trading futures contracts before buying the Sox in 2002. Henry, 55, must now try to appease fans as he juggles a search to replace Epstein with slugger Manny Ramirez's demands to be traded and the re-signing of centerfielder Johnny Damon.

City approves three-year lease for Sand Gnats
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The city of Savannah approved a new three-year lease with the Savannah Sand Gnats (Class A; Sally League) for the use of Greyson Stadium through the 2008 season. They will pay the city $10,000 a year in rent plus 3 percent of food and drink sales for Gnats games and 30 percent of all concession sales for city events. The team has the right to sell food and beverages at events in the stadium other than games. Simmons has talked with the city about upgrades to the 64-year old park, such as new seating, improved lighting and other amenities. City Manager Michael Brown said the city is waiting on a specific list of things the team needs to operate. Brown said he wants that in the next 12 months.

Padres owe city nearly $1 million
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The San Diego Padres owe San Diego nearly $1 million because a pair of hotels with ownership ties to the team came up short on the bed taxes used to help pay for the ballpark's construction. In a letter last week, the city notified the Padres that revenue for the Omni Hotel, next to Petco Park, and the Hotel Solamar, a luxury boutique hotel nearby, were $935,788 below projections. Under a 2001 agreement, Padres owner John Moores agreed to a bed tax guarantee to help finance the city's bond payments for the $474 million ballpark. The city contributed $206 million to building the park, the Padres $173 million, the Centre City Development Corp. $74 million and the Port District $21 million. The city owns the ballpark and leases it to the Padres.

Work continues at Alliant Energy Field
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Bush Sports Turf has started laying sod at Alliant Energy Field, the home of the Clinton LumberKings (Class A; Midwest League). Bush Sports Turf started laying sod yesterday afternoon and should be finished with the turf by Friday afternoon. Other work is continuing at Alliant Energy Field as the $3.7 million renovation is starting to take shape. The new picnic garden/restroom facility has been blocked and the clubhouse/batting tunnel has been started. Work continues in the front entrance as a new front office/souvenir shop is being constructed as well as a new front entrance to Alliant Energy Field. The LumberKings open the 2006 season on the road in Burlington against the Bees on April 6. The LumberKings open at home on April 13 against Kane County at newly renovated Alliant Energy Field with the game starting at 6 p.m.

Baseball Notes
Posted November 11, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Gary Cohen, the radio man for the New York Mets for the last 17 seasons, is moving to television to serve as the play-by-play man for the Mets' new cable television network, SportsNet NY. Cohenis to work 150 games, 125 on SNY....J.D. Arndt is the new manager of the Rockford RiverHawks, in a promotion from hitting coach to manager. He replaces Mike Young, who led the team to a 51-45 record and a playoff berth in his only season. Arndt’s coaching staff will include three incumbents and two new members. Sam Knaack, Jake Ciarrachi and Brian Isoz were retained from Young’s staff. Arndt added Derek Roper and Marcus Bond to the six-man staff. Also joining the staff: former RiverHawks manager Bob Koopmann. Koopmann led the team to a record of 152-118 in three seasons, 2002-04, and won the 2004 Frontier League pennant.

Shockoe committee report won’t include ballpark
Posted November 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A Richmond (Va.) advisory committee charged with evaluating development proposals for Shockoe Bottom will issue an interim report in the next few weeks, but it won’t include an analysis of a proposed $330 million ballpark for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League): the committee can’t evaluate the proposal because it hasn’t received any additional details from the developer or the Braves. Last June Global Development Partners and the Richmond Braves said their plans involved the city establishing a special tax district wherein taxes generated within the boundaries of the ballpark project -- which would include retail shops, restaurants, condos and offices -- would be used to pay off $80 million in bonds.
    RELATED STORIES: Developers threaten historic slave-trade site; Richmond hires man who led N.H. projects; Richmond ballpark gets gets financial backer; Phone isn’t ringing for owner of The Diamond; Richmond Braves back to The Diamond?; Wilder speaks out on proposed Richmond ballpark; Braves again make pitch for ballpark; Richmond putting a squeeze play on Braves?; City says 'show me the money' for arts center and ballpark; Richmond ballpark plan has makings of solid transaction; Richmond ballpark plan strikes out on site, economics, financing; Wilder quits role in Richmond group; Threat not part of deal for Richmond ballpark; Braves getting outside pitches; Braves or bust?; Drains a strain on Richmond ballpark plan?; Wilder: Stadium proposal lacks details; Richmond ballpark questions remain; Richmond Braves assume role as developer; New ballpark plan for Shockoe Bottom; Proposed ballpark may rescue flood-damaged Richmond area; Global ballpark bid asks much from D.C.; Protests drowned out at rally for Shockoe Bottom ballpark; The Boulevard blues

Where will the Jackson Senators play in 2006?
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When the independent Central Baseball League disbanded, the Jackson Senators were left without a league, and it now looks like their only shot for play in 2006 is as a member of the United League. The American Association settled on St. Joseph as a 10th team this week, and although there's apparently a slight chance the team could go with 12 teams next season, there's some pressure to come out with a schedule soon. This article is a little misleading, though: for geographic reasons the Senators were not under consideration as a "northern" team. Instead, the Sens would have made the American Association if a deal for a Manhattan team had also been consummated, and then the Sens would have been added to the southern division of a 12-team league (which, apparently, still could happen).
    RELATED STORIES: American Association adds St. Joe as 10th team; Pro baseball in Lil' Apple not set; American Association grows with addition of Central League teams; Northern League gives up quest for Sioux City, Sioux Falls leases; will play with eight teams in 2006; New for 2006: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball; Northern League looking at Sioux Falls lease; New battles between Northern League, four defectors; Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

Cobb Field replacement could cost $12 million
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Replacing Cobb Field, the home of the Billings Mustangs (rookie; Pioneer League), could cost as much as $12 million, according to a report presented to the city. Not a surprise: last year Billings voters rejected a $12.7 bond for a Cobb Field replacement. The report from HNTB and Gateway Consultants includes plans for bringing the field into compliance with minor-league requirements. The report also lists a variety of amenities, such as extra seating or covered grandstands, that could be added to a bare-bones ballpark plan. Under Option 1, the field would be moved closer to North 27th Street and the playing field would be built below street level. One advantage of this option is that construction on the stadium could begin during the summer without interrupting regular-season play. Under Option 2, the stadium would be rebuilt in its present location, with the field built at grade. This option would require tighter deadlines for completing the construction. Renovating the existing ballpark was rejected as being unfeasible.
    RELATED STORY: HNTB selected for Cobb Field renovation; Cobb proposals narrowed to 2; Six proposals vie to study Cobb Field

New world out of order
Posted November 10, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
While there are some among us who are thrilled about the World Baseball Classic taking place next spring, a great many in the baseball world -- such as players, many agents and more than a few front-office personnel -- have their doubts. There are some big problems with it: the tourney could end up distracting from spring training and it will be competing against NCAA's March Madness. Said one club exec:  "What we're doing here is taking spring training, which is our most important marketing tool for our own season and compromising it for the purpose of marketing the game everywhere else in the world. Maybe I'm being short-sighted, but I don't see the upside of a spring training in which my best players are only in camp the last 10 days." 

Pride find local owners
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Nashua real estate businessmen John Stabile and Tom Monahan have agreed in principle to become the local owners of the Nashua Pride (independent; Can-Am Association), as that team transitions from the Atlantic League. Current owner Frank Boulton says he'll remain involved with the team as well. Though the agreement between Boulton and the local ownership team is in principle only and must be approved by Can-Am Association officials, everyone was confident that it would come to fruition. It’s likely, though not certain, that the team name will remain the Pride.
    RELATED STORIES: Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006; Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short; New owners, league possible for Pride; Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit; Can-Am Association considers Nashua; Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson

New ballpark among Fort Wayne downtown options
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Fort Wayne (Ind.) officials are planning out the future of downtown Fort Wayne, and one item up for consideration is a new ballpark. There will be a series of meetings in the next few weeks to discuss the options over a 10-year stretch, and a new ballpark definitely has a lot of currency. There are some economists arguing a ballpark has no impact on a downtown area, but it doesn't sound like anyone in Fort Wayne is arguing purely on economic grounds: it's a quality-of-life issue.

It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week
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Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Wednesday that a vote on the sale of the Washington Nationals won't take place when owners meet in Milwaukee next week. The reason is simple: MLB must still work out a lease with D.C. for a new ballpark, and won't announce the sale of the team until that lease is finalized. Selig has spent the last few weeks speaking with the eight bidders for the team, which was bought by the other 29 clubs in 2002 when the franchise was known as the Montreal Expos.

Organizers sketch vision for Plymouth River Eels
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More on the plan to bring a new ballpark and independent-league team to Plymouth, Mass. The plan is to bring a team and a privately funded 5,500-seat ballpark to a 28-acre tract next to the Sam's Club store in Plymouth's massive Colony Place shopping center, just off Route 3 and the new Route 44. While declining to detail their financing plans -- officials said the stadium and sports facility project could run ''between $14 million and $16 million" -- the Bay Colony Baseball officials laid out the project's three phases and a time line that would have the first pitch hurled in May 2007. Step one would have ground broken next spring for a domed sports facility that would allow for three fields for soccer, lacrosse, indoor golf practice, and field hockey. At a height of 60 feet and more than 200 feet long, it also would house locker rooms, birthday party rooms, and a concession area. By early summer, the officials said, construction of the ballpark and its 20 luxury boxes would begin. By next fall, a 1,100-person banquet hall/convention center and a stand-alone restaurant would be added. Organizers say they've talked with both the Can-Am Association and the Atlantic League; because of geography, the Can-Am Association seems the best bet.
    RELATED STORIES: Plan unveiled to play baseball on South Shore by 2007; River Eels to pitch Colony Place site; Plymouth baseball venture raises eyebrows

D.C. officials unlikely to reduce business tax for new ballpark
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District businesses that hoped for a reduction of the tax used to help pay for the Washington Nationals' new ballpark are unlikely to get a reprieve because of Wall Street's insistence that the city offer more guaranteed money to back the bonds used to finance the ballpark. Earlier this year, the city entered into a partial private financing agreement with Deutsche Bank, hoping it would reduce required ballpark fee revenues from $14 million to $8 million. But Wall Street bond raters have insisted the $14 million be guaranteed from the city in order to provide investment-grade ratings on the bonds used to finance the $535-million ballpark. The news drew angst from business leaders, who supported the Deutsche Bank plan this spring on the belief it would offer them tax relief.

Voters approve bonds for Hinchliffe Stadium renovation
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Paterson (N.J.) voters approved a proposal that would allow the city to issue $10 million in bonds -- at taxpayers' expense -- toward financing recreation facilities, including the Hinchliffe Stadium and Sports Academy. Property owners would have to pay higher property taxes to finance the bonds and accrued interest, possibly over a 20- to 30-year period. Hinchliffe Stadium was once the home of the New York Black Yankees of the Negro National League; you can see more on our Endangered Ballparks page.

Mudhens unveil new logos
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The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) unveiled new logos that will adorn all team gear during the 2006 baseball season. The following logos have been established. The new logos were designed by Daniel Simon of Studio Simon, a nationally recognized leader in sports branding identity.

York board questions ballpark payments
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Backers of a proposed ballpark in York, Pa., for an independent Atlantic League team handed the York City School Board a draft agreement for making annual payments in place of property taxes, but some members questioned the structure of the deal. The agreement formalizes earlier promises that the stadium would pay a combined $100,000 a year to the school district, city and county for the next 20 years. Under the plan, the school district would receive $60,800 a year, the city would get $29,400 and the county would see $9,800. School board members questioned why payments had to be fixed for 20 years, particularly if the stadium performs better than expected.
    RELATED STORIES: Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark; Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark; Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark; York ballpark on life support?

Suns owner stays busy during off-season
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Now that the baseball season is over, it's time to plan for 2006. Here a profile of Peter "Pedro" Bragan Jr., GM of the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League), who is making the rounds of civic and business meetings in the offseason. Bragan goes to schools and challenges the fifth grade students to memorize Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s poem "Casey at the Bat." Upon memorization, the students receive a baseball and bat. He's also taking care of his parents, Peter and Mary Bragan, neither of whom are in good health.

Fisher Cats, Sea Dogs to play at Fenway
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The Boston Red Sox have confirmed an agreement for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats to play the Portland Sea Dogs in a Class AA Eastern League game at Fenway Park next summer. A date in June or July is under discussion. The agreement calls for the Fisher Cats to play at Fenway once each season for the next 20 years. The Fisher Cats front office also wants to snare the Red Sox as a parent team, but we're guessing it will never happen: New Hampshire is solidly Red Sox Nation, and it makes more marketing sense for the BoSox to keep an affiliate in Maine.

Baseball Notes
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The Colorado Rockies made a few field staff changes. Tom Runnells is the new coach of the Colorado Spring Sky Sox (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), while 39-year-old Stu Cole will replace Runnells as the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) manager for the 2006 season. He has spent the past three seasons managing Colorado’s High Class A affiliate in the California League, including a 2005 stint with the Modesto Nuts....Peter Caliendo was appointed to the Greater Woodfield Sports Council, charged with creating new programs in sports for the northwest suburban communities and to further stimulate tourism through sports-related events and tournaments. He currently serves as president of Caliendo Sports and the Pitch and Hit Club....Zach Burek is the new general manager of the Lakeland Tigers (Class A: Florida State League). Burek previously worked as the team's assistant GM from 1997-2001 and has spent the past four years working for Polk County Tourism and Sports in Bartow.

Franklin County buys land for new Clippers ballpark
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Franklin County commissioners have agreed to buy 6.9 acres of land near Nationwide Arena downtown as the site for a Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International league) ballpark. The addition of the ballpark next to the home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets has a lot of appeal for commissioners: parking can be shared, and the area can become more of a year-round destination. Franklin County will buy five of six properties there for $11.5 million. Officials are still negotiating for the sixth parcel, whose owner recently died. Commissioners are also looking an alternate use for the team's current home, Cooper Stadium, which is almost certain to be torn down once the new ballpark opens.
    RELATED STORIES: Car sales at the Coop floated as reuse idea

San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark
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A unanimous San Jose City Council on Tuesday approved the first major expenditure of public funds in hopes of attracting the Oakland A's, agreeing to buy a shuttered downtown sausage factory for $5.7 million and spend $700,000 on consultants for environmental and other studies related to building a ballpark. The city hopes to lure the Oakland A's to San Jose should owner Lew Wolff's efforts at procuring a new Oakland ballpark fall through, but there are a host of issues there, the least of which being San Jose is in the San Francisco Giants' territory and any ballpark construction must be approved through a citywide referendum. The San Jose Mercury News opines on the matter.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Baseball's gender barrier for GMs may fall
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It sounds like Kim Ng, currently the assistant GM of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has a shot at the GM position after interviewing for it this past weekend, Ng has worked in a variety of jobs, as well as in the league office, and certainly has the credentials to become the first woman to fill the GM role on a major league team. Baseball is such a guy's club in so many ways, so her hiring would send a huge message to the rest of world about how the baseball industry is maturing. In other news from the winter GMs meetings, the issue of moving the June draft back several weeks will be on the agenda today.

Yanks against the world
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The New York Yankees continue to oppose the World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 2006, but since that event is now inevitable GM Brian Cashman is working to protect his star players, many of whom are now likely to participate. According to Jimmie Lee Solomon, baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations, Cashman was "vocal" in discussing the event during yesterday morning's general managers' meetings. In an earlier vote, the Classic passed by a 29-1 margin, with only the Yankees dissenting. They have myriad concerns, ranging from the obvious (losing many star players for the bulk of spring training) to the cultural (wondering how successful a venture this will be in many of the participating countries) to the minute (curious how teams can satisfy the spring-training mandate of bringing four "regular" players to road games if so many regulars are missing). One thing for certain: pitchers will be on strict pitch counts -- 65-70 pitches was discussed as a first-round limit, with an increase of about five pitches in the second round.

Plan unveiled to play baseball on South Shore by 2007
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A group planning to bring an independent professional baseball club to Plymouth, Mass., would like to break ground on a 5,500-seat ballpark next year so the first game can be played in 2007. Representatives of Bay Colony Baseball and Athletics LLC said they are close to signing a purchase and sale agreement on 28 acres near the Sam’s Club at the Colony Place shopping center. The ballpark would cost about $14 million to $16 million and would be privately financed. The owners would like to see the Plymouth River Eels playing in the independent Can-Am Association. They've already done quite a bit of work on the project: D’Agostino Izzo Quirk Architects has been working on conceptual plans, while Payton Construction is also on board.
    RELATED STORIES: River Eels to pitch Colony Place site; Plymouth baseball venture raises eyebrows

Rock Cats, city close to 10-year lease extension
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A new 10-year lease between the city and the New Britain Rock Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) is forthcoming, Mayor Timothy T. Stewart said Monday. Bill Dowling, the Rock Cats’ owner, president and general manager, said that the sides are in virtual agreement over the financial provisions of the pact after meeting with Stewart Thursday. The deal calls for a base five-year lease with five one-year options. Dowling also said the team will purchase and install a new video scoreboard at a cost of $350,000 to $400,000 for next season. Stewart said the city would assist in the purchase.

New problems for Edinburg Roadrunners
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Two more strikes were called against the Edinburg Roadrunners this week. A federal court ruled the breach of contract lawsuit brought by the team against the city of Edinburg must be heard in Hidalgo County, something the Roadrunners were trying to avoid. The team hoped instead the suit would be heard in concordance with their bankruptcy filing. The Edinburg City Council terminated the team’s lease in April of this year, then refused the Roadrunners offer for a new lease in a meeting on September 15th, instead voting to accept one made by the new United League.
    RELATED STORIES: Moore decides to stay in Edinburg with new team, league; Tredaway decides to remain with CBL; Roadrunners, Edinburg make first bankruptcy court showing; Roadrunners seek bankruptcy protection; Lawsuit keeps ’Runners on life support; United Sports seeks privately financed ballpark in Amarillo; Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study; Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Twins could be hot commodity
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The tin-foil-hat crowd was all atwitter when the news broke that Reggie Jackson expressed an interest in buying the Minnesota Twins, ostensibly to move the team to Las Vegas, but we're doubting there was some grand conspiracy in play to force a new ballpark in Minneapolis. Major-league franchises are hot commodities, and it doesn't take a genius to see what teams might be on the block someday. (Just look at the hot bidding going on for the Washington Nationals.) You can bet other groups will be asking Dave St. Peter about the status of the Twins, making the need for a new ballpark all the clearer.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Minnesota governor to jump-start Twins ballpark discussions with legislative leaders; Key legislator backs special session to address Minnesota stadium issues; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Minneapolis Greens hope ballpark issue helps them in primary; Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; 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; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

It's official: St. Joseph Saints will close shop
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
With the independent American Association moving into St. Joseph's Phil Welch Stadium, there's a sad part of the story: the St. Joseph Saints, a mainstay in the summer collegiate M.I.N.K. League, will fold up shop. The team has been around since 1996 -- not really a long time -- but in those years the team was an annual contender for league championships. Meanwhile, the AA is looking for an experienced ownership group to take the reins in St. Joe before the season starts. More on the American Association and the Saints from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: American Association adds St. Joe as 10th team; Pro baseball in Lil' Apple not set; American Association grows with addition of Central League teams; Northern League gives up quest for Sioux City, Sioux Falls leases; will play with eight teams in 2006; New for 2006: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball; Northern League looking at Sioux Falls lease; New battles between Northern League, four defectors; Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

Can America's pastime revitalize Lawrence?
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Minor-league baseball is a hot commodity in the greater Boston area, with six independent and affiliated teams doing quite well. That success is leading officials in Lawrence, a city in the northern part of Massachusetts, to look at baseball as an economic stimulus. A panel discussion was held on the topic, and while there was the requisite opponent saying money spent on a ballpark could be spent somewhere else (which is somewhat disingenuous; that's true of almost every nonmandated city expenditure), the consensus seemed to be baseball is a way to improve the quality of life in a city (and thus attracting population).

Baseball Notes
Posted November 9, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Doug Davis is the new manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League). The position opened when Mike Basso was promoted to Syracuse. Davis worked last year as Florida’s roving catching and base running coordinator in the minor leagues....Renae Roelfs is returning to the Burlington Bees (Class A; Midwest League) as the organization's director of group outings, replacing Trish Renken, who left for a position at Western Illinois University. Roelfs, an intern for the Bees in 2002, graduated in May from Wartburg College with a degree in Business Administration and Sports Management/Marketing.

Cuban interested in buying Pirates; owners not interested in selling
Posted November 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Flamboyant investor Mark Cuban says he is indeed interested in buying the Pittsburgh Pirates from the group led by Kevin McClatchy and Ogden Nutting, but he's been told the team is not for sale. A publication covering the financial and mergers world, The Deal, had reported Cuban was in the processing of finalizing a purchase of the team, but both he and McClatchy said yesterday nothing was in the works. Cuban would be an interesting addition to the staid world of MLB owners; as the head of the Dallas Mavericks, Cuban turned things around by investing in free agents and creating a welcoming atmosphere for players and fans.
    RELATED STORIES: Perfect time for McClatchy to sell; Mavericks owner spends night ducking media, watching Pirates

World Baseball Classic venues to be announced
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We're expecting MLB to announce additional venues for the World Baseball Classic, to be held during March 3-20. First-round games will be held March 3-11 at Chase Field (the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks), Scottsdale Stadium (the spring home of the San Francisco Giants), the Tokyo Dome, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, and Cracker Jack Stadium, the spring home of the Atlanta Braves in Orlando. The second-round games will be played at Angel Stadium in Anaheim and Hiram Bithorn Stadium, while the semifinals and final will be played at San Diego's Petco Park.

American Association adds St. Joe as 10th team
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The American Association will be releasing a 2006 schedule in the next couple days that places a team at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, Mo. The 2,000-capacity ballpark once hosted minor-league and Negro League baseball, and most recently has been the home of the St. Joseph Saints of the summer collegiate M.I.N.K. League. There's no ownership group in place, and some rudimentary additions -- like trailers to be used as clubhouses -- will be needed before the beginning of the season. It will be interesting to see how a pro team does in a ballpark with mostly bench seating and light stanchions in front of the outfield fences, but we don't expect a team to be in St. Joe for the long term. The future of the Saints is also up in the air; they will announce their future plans today. The plan to place a team in Manhattan, Kan. for the 2006 season was scrapped after league officials and KU could not agree on a ballpark lease.
    RELATED STORIES: Pro baseball in Lil' Apple not set; American Association grows with addition of Central League teams; Northern League gives up quest for Sioux City, Sioux Falls leases; will play with eight teams in 2006; New for 2006: the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball; Northern League looking at Sioux Falls lease; New battles between Northern League, four defectors; Sioux City leaves Northern League, joins three other defectors; NL seeks Twin Cities team; Saints to leave Northern League

Pride to play in Can-Am Association in 2006
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Owners in the independent Can-Am Association unanimously agreed to welcome the Nashua Pride as a member of the league, with a further announcement scheduled for tomorrow. Frank Boulton, left holding the ownership reins after a previous ownership group dissolved, said he would be looking for local owners. The Pride hit rock bottom this summer when the club drew 87,645 people over 69 dates despite fielding a team that reached the championship series. The team's owners said the climate -- the team was the northernmost city in the eight-team league -- was not right for a long season. The Can-Am League is seen as a better fit because teams play 50 fewer games and start a month after the Atlantic League. There are also four other teams in New England, making for rivalries the Pride did not have in the Atlantic League. Replacing the Pride in the Atlantic League: a road team. Nashua got the nod over Augusta, the former home of the New Jersey Cardinals (short-season; NY-Penn League) because of lease issues, although we now hear Augusta is still in the mix for 2006.
    RELATED STORIES: Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short; New owners, league possible for Pride; Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit; Can-Am Association considers Nashua; Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson

Busch Stadium looks set to go out not with bang, but a whimper
Posted November 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The demolition of Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals since 1966, began yesterday when a wrecking ball landed on one of the arches ringing the ballpark's upper deck. The crowd assembled there to watch the demolition seemed a little letdown when the wrecking ball made contact: they were far away from the actual crane, and they couldn't even see the beginning of the demolition. Bryan Burwell writes: "So here is my bit of advice for everyone who seems to be mesmerized by the hidden magic or nostalgic charms of this building: Let it go. Stop coming here on these emotionally draining pilgrimages, because Busch is not going to go away in a spectacular cloud of dust. This is going to be a slow and agonizing death, like an annoying, endless water torture rather than the extravagant sudden death implosion we all envisioned." More from AP.
    RELATED STORIES: Busch Stadium demolition to begin today; Memories aside, it's time for Busch to go; Best nest was filled with real stories; Medallions now being installed at new Busch Stadium; 41 years, 2 stadiums and counting

Ill-timed epiphany on York ballpark
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The York Dispatch worries that so much will be invested in a new York, Pa. ballpark that construction would be inevitable, no matter what it costs. The cost of the project is now pegged at $33.3 million -- $5.3 million more than the amount the York County Industrial Development Authority and the York County Economic Development Corp. were working with during initial and advanced planning for the project. So far officials from both groups have agreed to study the issue further, but the city is going ahead and acquiring the land needed for the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Bottom of the 18th for York ballpark; Brenner goes to bat for York ballpark; York ballpark on life support?

Nats unlikely to get owner at meetings
Posted November 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new owner for the Washington Nationals probably will not be chosen at next week's meetings of club owners because Major League Baseball is still working to finish a ballpark lease agreement with the District. MLB and city officials had hoped to finalize the terms of a lease for the Nationals' ballpark last week and vote on an owner by the Nov. 16-17 sessions. Though considerable progress was made during two days of intense talks last week, the parties still disagree on some minor issues. The new deadline now is before Thanksgiving, and we assume MLB will want this done before the Winter Meetings in Dallas.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

Metrodome board questions Twins' motives in court case
Posted November 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The public board that runs the Metrodome accused the Minnesota Twins on Monday of refusing to negotiate a lease in a productive manner and filing a lawsuit to secure a "Get-out-of-Minnesota free" card. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission filed a formal response to an Oct. 18 Twins lawsuit. The team's lawsuit seeks a ruling that the Twins have no obligation to play future games in the Metrodome. At the same time, the Twins seek guaranteed access to revenue from electronic advertising boards, luxury suites and other amenities when the team does play at the Dome. The team's attorneys have denied the case is part of a moving strategy if a decade-long drive for a new ballpark doesn't yield results soon.
    RELATED STORIES: 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; Minnesota governor to jump-start Twins ballpark discussions with legislative leaders; Key legislator backs special session to address Minnesota stadium issues; Twins ballpark may slip this year; Minneapolis Greens hope ballpark issue helps them in primary; Legislative session to decide fate of Twins ballpark back on track; Will special session be called to pass Twins ballpark legislations? Odds seem to be dropping; State needs fall special session; Twins ballpark stall raises costs; State approval for Twins ballpark may wait until fall; 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; Minneapolis Council panel delays ballpark vote; Big fans of a Twins move; Minneapolis may stand against ballpark plan; Twins ballpark passage predicted by legislative leaders; Hennepin County takes first step toward new Twins ballpark; Few want to pay for Twins ballpark; Hennepin County delays vote on Twins ballpark funding; Hennepin County to vote today on Twins ballpark funding; Minnesota Twins, Hennepin County reach agreement on ballpark funding; Twins back Minneapolis ballpark location; What's up with a Twins ballpark?; House GOP, DFL leaders clash over stadiums; Politicos bury Twins in ballpark hierarchy; Gov. Pawlenty talks of stadium plans; Minnesota drops the ball on ballpark plan; Ballpark tax plan is calling for a first

Red Sox to talk with Bowden, Beattie
Posted November 8, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and former Baltimore Orioles boss Jim Beattie will interview with the Boston Red Sox to replace departed GM Theo Epstein. Red Sox spokesman Glenn Geffner said Monday night the two would likely be interviewed by controlling owner John Henry and team president Larry Lucchino. The time and place of the interviews hasn't been determined. In addition, the Red Sox have received permission to interview two officials of unidentified teams. Boston will announce the names when the interviews have been scheduled.

Whitecaps making changes to Fifth Third Ballpark for 2006
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The West Michigan Whitecaps (Class A; Midwest League) are making two major renovations to Fifth Third Ballpark for the 2006 season. The home of the Whitecaps will now feature a two-level indoor/outdoor structure in right-center field and outdoor seating for the suite level.
    The new outfield group area will replace the bleachers that have been in existence since July of 1996. The structure will feature an indoor, climate-controlled stadium club on the first floor, which will accommodate approximately 200 guests. The stadium club will provide banquet-style seating, private restrooms and an exclusive bar area. This level will be available for employee outings, business meetings, family reunions and other functions year round. Individual eight-person tables in the facility will be available for rent during select games so that all fans will have access to this one-of-a-kind seating option.
    The upper deck of the outfield structure will provide a rooftop atmosphere for fans to watch Whitecaps games. Groups of approximately 300 will be able to enjoy a unique seating option with food and a great view of the field. The upper deck will be partially covered so fans can find comfort in the shade or sun.
    The suite level will also receive an entirely new look as outdoor seating will be added to the 24 existing suites. Each suite will receive approximately 11 outdoor seats and will provide a vantage point never before featured at Fifth Third Ballpark. The total cost of the project, $1 million, is being borne by the team. More from the Grand Rapids Press.

Rose Jr. pleads guilty in steroids case
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Pete Rose Jr., the son of baseball's all-time hits leader, pleaded guilty Monday to charges of distributing GBL, a drug sometimes sold as a steroids alternative, to his minor-league teammates. The 35-year-old Rose appeared before a federal judge and only replied "Yes, sir" when asked if he understood the charges and his plea. Rose could be sentenced to 21 to 24 months in federal prison and fined up to $1 million under terms of his deal with prosecutors. In recent years Rose Jr. has played in the independent leagues with the Northern League and the Atlantic League, but the offenses occurred when he was a member of the Chattanooga Lookouts (Class AA; Southern League). More from the Jackson Sun.

Baseball Notes
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Chris Hemeyer is the new director of broadcasting for the Kinston Indians (Class A; Carolina League). Hemeyer was the top choice out of an extremely competitive field of over 50 candidates. Chris Hemeyer comes to the radio booth after covering the team for WCTI-TV 12 for the past three seasons. Hemeyer's no stranger to Grainger Stadium, with weekly K-Tribe insider sports features and coverage of the team as WCTI's Weekend Sports Anchor....Adam Lorber is the new GM of the Camden Riversharks (independent; Atlantic League). Lorber replaces John Brandt, who recently departed to become the GM of the Newark Bears (independent; Atlantic League). Lorber is no stranger to Camden and the Riversharks family, having worked with the club as a Corporate Partnerships Manager from 2001-2004. Lorber most recently worked as Director of Corporate Sales for the New Jersey Nets.

Busch Stadium demolition to begin today
Posted November 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Today at 3 p.m. the world loses another ballpark when Ahrens Contracting and Hunt Construction Group begin demolition of Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals since 1966. A five-ton wrecking ball will crashes into the southwest corner of the stadium, its first victim a section of the ring of arches, the signature crown that made Busch instantly recognizable. Longtime Cardinals fan Glenda Postin, 46, will be the swing queen when she signals for the 10,000-pound wrecking ball to take its first swipe at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals found a few hidden treasures while scavenging at Busch, such as a 12-foot-long mural showing plays from the 1944 World Series, played at Sportsman's Park. The Cardinals are holding a party for 250 team supporters; other fans are welcome to watch the beginning of the demolition from the street. Next season the Cards move into a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Memories aside, it's time for Busch to go; Best nest was filled with real stories; Medallions now being installed at new Busch Stadium; 41 years, 2 stadiums and counting

Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million
Posted November 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is a lot of money to spend on such a speculative project. The cost to acquire the land for a proposed MLB ballpark in downtown San Jose will likely reach the $80 million to $100 million range when all is done, based on the first offers to property owners in the area. Right now, San Jose's master land-planning documents designate the 14 acres south of Diridon station for housing at up to 150 units to the acre. Were the stadium not to materialize, the city has implied that it would allow that housing to be built. And such sites are of rising interest to housing developers, including those who have traditionally built only suburban homes. San Jose faces two huge issues: technically, the city is in the territory of the San Francisco Giants, who would be highly unlikely to give permission for a team to move into the area, and any ballpark construction needs to be approved via public referendum.
    RELATED STORIES: 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

New faces at GM meetings today
Posted November 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB GMs will gather today in Indian Wells, Cal., for their annual meetings. This is when the groundwork for trades and industry agreements (for instance, the rules of the upcoming World Baseball Classic will be finalized this week), but there are several teams that won't have a GM at the meetings, including Boston and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are working to fill the position. Also, five teams have new GMs in place, with four having no prior GM experience (the exception being Philadelphia's Pat Gillick). Speaking of the Sox: the team will begin interviewing replacements for Theo Epstein this week, and many high-profile candidates -- Kevin Towers, Doug Melvin, Terry Ryan, Jim Duquette, Kevin Forst and Brian Sabean have already taken themselves out of the running, leaving the team to look at filling the position from within. (Jim Bowden has expressed interest in the job as well.) The Dodgers began their quest by interviewing Kim Ng yesterday. Speaking of Epstein: many in baseball see him ending up as GM of the Washington Nationals when the new ownership group is installed.

River Eels to pitch Colony Place site
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Officials of Bay Colony Baseball & Athletics LLC, the organization behind the proposed Plymouth River Eels, confirmed last week that they have set their sights on a 28-acre tract next to the Sam's Club store in Plymouth for a proposed 5,500-seat ballpark. They said they would release details about the team and the stadium at a press conference scheduled for today at 4 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel Plymouth Harbor. The River Eels founders say they believe Plymouth is starved for a professional baseball club. The town has been without organized baseball since the Plymouth A's folded following the 1987 season. The A's claimed two Cranberry League titles in the early 1980s and often drew large crowds to Siever Field, a small and antiquated amphitheater-like park in North Plymouth. There are two issues: whether or not the proposed site can handle the increased traffic, and whether or not the group can strike a deal to join the independent Can-Am Association.
    RELATED STORIES: Plymouth baseball venture raises eyebrows

City keeps getting in way of baseball success
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The situation in Jackson, Tenn., with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) keeps getting more intense, as the city apparently is ready for a standoff with the team over a long-term lease: the city wants a three-year commitment, and the team wants to work on a year-to-year lease. This all comes after there was a verbal agreement between Charles Farmer and the team for use of Pringles Park for the 2006 season. This editorial takes Farmer to task for not supporting baseball in Jackson: truth is, Jackson is a borderline Class AA market, and Farmer is doing his best to drive the current owners out of town. Does Farmer want the city to own and run the team? It's beginning to look that way. Meanwhile, you can expect headlines in the next month as the lawsuit between the city and former owner David Hersh goes to trial.

Nashua baseball fans: don't sell Can-Am short
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There's been some resistance by fans to Frank Boulton's idea to move the Nashua Pride from the Atlantic League to the Can-Am Association. Jim Fennell argues the move is the only thing that can save pro baseball at Holman Stadium: with a shorter season and a more manageable salary cap and dues structure, the Can-Am Association is a much better fit for Nashua than the Atlantic League. Boulton has (quite rightly) made it clear Nashua is not in the Atlantic League's plans for 2006. Approval for Nashua as part of the Can-Am Association could come as early as today.
    RELATED STORIES: New owners, league possible for Pride; Pride seeking a league that’s a better fit; Can-Am Association considers Nashua; Pride plan proceeds, but not Hobson

Home of former baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson to be moved, restored
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The Greenville (S.C.) home of baseball legend Shoeless Joe Jackson will be moved near the city's new minor-league ballpark, restored to its 1940's design and converted into a museum. Charleston development firm Trademark Properties will absorb the cost of moving the house next to the new home of the Greenville Drive (Class A; Sally League), which Jackson bought with his wife in 1941 and where Jackson died in 1951. Arlene Marcley, assistant to Greenville Mayor Knox White, will head a foundation responsible for raising money for the museum, which is expected to open in July. The foundation will also oversee the museum.

Car sales at the Coop floated as reuse idea
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An auto mall has emerged as one of two early ideas in the race to find new uses for the 46-acre Cooper Stadium site off West Mound Street in Columbus, the home of the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League). Local officials are working on a plan to replace the Coop with a new downtown ballpark, and one of the pieces of the puzzle involves finding a financially feasible use for the ballpark property. The idea here is that auto and motorcycle dealers would lease space at a new auto mall.

Sport and concert suites now available à la carte
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Two Atlanta entrepreneurs are applying the concept of timesharing and fractional ownership to the sports world, setting up a system where member corporations have access to 12 events over 12 months, with events including from suites at Hawks, Braves and Falcons games to concerts and a hospitality tent at the PGA TOUR Championship. So far, the startup is doing well, with 10 clients ranging from JP Morgan Mortgage Capital to Atlanta law firm Powell Goldstein LLP. The pair also adds some value by acting as a concierge service as well, outfitting suites with signage and branding, ordering all the food, distributing tickets and even set up shuttle services if needed, and allow companies to choose venues and events.

Ballpark pub looking to grow up into restaurant
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Owners of the Cash 'n Flagon, a popular watering hole next to Fenway Park, want to add a covered outdoor roof patio for 440 customers and at least double the bar’s capacity. A 4,100-square-foot addition also is on the boards for the rear of the building, located at Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne Street adjacent to Fenway Park, as are expanding dining and function areas. City officials don't sound too thrilled with the idea of adding a rooftop patio, citing safety issues. If you've ever been to the Cask before or after a Red Sox game, you know there's really only one way for the bar to grow: straight up.

Castellini 'good news for fans'
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Whether it's grinding over a three-foot putt or a multimillion-dollar business deal, Robert Castellini, the prospective new chief executive of the Cincinnati Reds, is described by friends as a fierce competitor who's driven to win. Last week, Castellini, 64, and brothers Tom and Joe Williams, two of his long-time business associates, stepped up to the plate with an offer buy controlling interest in the storied baseball franchise. Those who know Castellini and the Williams brothers describe them as passionate, tough-minded business people who care about their hometown.
    RELATED STORIES: Controlling interest in Reds sold

Stadium bonds would cost Paterson residents
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On Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether the city can issue bonds to raise $10 million to develop and improve recreational facilities, including the Hinchliffe Stadium and Sports Academy. Local school officials aren't thrilled with the bond, as it affects their property and the referendum was scheduled without their participation. Hinchliffe Stadium was once the home of the New York Black Yankees of the Negro National League; you can see more on our Endangered Ballparks page.

Baseball Notes
Posted November 7, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Ron Guidry is the new pitching coach of the New York Yankees, replacing Mel Stottlemyre. The Yankees made a run for Leo Mazzone before he signed a deal to serve as pitching coach of the Baltimore Orioles. Guidry has little experience as a pitching coach save his time as a spring-training instructor and a season as pitching coach with the Texas-Louisiana League's Bayou Bullfrogs....Kim Ng, a vice president and assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers the past four years, became the first candidate to interview for the team's vacant GM job. Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said Ng was interviewed Saturday. If hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, she would become major league baseball's first female GM....John Stearns is the new manager of the Harrisburg Senators (Class AA; Eastern League)....Doug Melvin signed a contract extension with the Milwaukee Brewers....Former major-league pitcher Tommy Greene is the new GM of the Monroe Channelcats (summer collegiate; Southern Collegiate Baseball League). Greene had a 15-year career in the majors with the Braves, Phillies and Astros organizations. He pitched for the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies in 1993, going 16-4 including a no-hitter....Don Money is back as manager of the Huntsville Stars (Class AA; Southern League)....John Russell is the new manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons (Class AAA; International League)....