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Archives: Feb. 26-March 4, 2006

Wolff makes ballpark pitch to Marlins
Posted March 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said Thursday he will present a ballpark financing plan next week to the Florida Marlins, a step that may lead to more intense relocation negotiations between the San Antonio county and the Major League Baseball franchise. Wolff's plan calls for extending tourist (hotel, car-rental) taxes first used to back bonds floated to build AT&T Center to generate revenue for a new ballpark built at a location chosen by the Marlins. Wolff is the godfather of baseball in San Antonio: the home of the San Antonio Missions (Class AA; Texas League) is named after him, and his actions carry a lot of weight in the area. Voter approval would be needed to refinance the bonds, pay off the AT&T Center debt early and use new bonds to pay for a ballpark; a 2010 opening would be likely. (What would happen to the Marlins in the meantime? Look for Monterrey, which had surprising support among baseball people when the Expos were looking for a new home, to get some play as a temporary venue.) Mayor Phil Hardberger still isn't thrilled with the idea; he would rather the city focus on luring an NFL team to the area. Officials with the San Antonio Spurs, used to be being the only game in town, aren't thrilled with the prospect of competition. Portland baseball enthusiasts say their city remains a contender for the Marlins, but there's been no contact with the mayor's office since early January.
    RELATED STORIES: San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation; Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote; Marlins ballpark options full of drawbacks; Marlins trip to Vegas a no-go, for now; Marlins' future remains in limbo; Marlins, Hialeah discuss ballpark; Official: Raleigh should pursue Marlins; Hialeah and baseball are a good fit if team opens its wallet; Marlins, Hialeah to talk about new ballpark; Big pitch: Charlotte ballpark, Major League Baseball?; Norfolk could get back in the game; A few details could help lure baseball; Relocation game in early going as Marlins officials visit Portland; As Marlins go fishing, there's no bite here; Portland baseball backers eye Coliseum as stadium site; Miami 'SuperSite' plan put on hold; Miami-Dade seeks solution for a Marlins ballpark; Bad marriage brings fire sale, suitors; Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio; Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins; Seven cities express interest in Marlins; Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins' share; Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins; Marlins will explore relocation; Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Tulsa Drillers sold to Chuck Lamson
Posted March 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Executive Vice President Chuck Lamson has purchased controlling interest in the Tulsa Drillers (Class AA; Texas League) from President Went Hubbard. Hubbard has been the majority owner of the Drillers since purchasing the team from the Texas Rangers in December of 1986. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
    The acquisition completes a unique transition for Lamson. He first joined the Drillers as a pitcher during the 1979 season. After his playing career ended, he moved to the Drillers front office, working in ticket sales and as a groundskeeper. He was eventually promoted to assistant general manager and to general manager and became the club’s executive vice president after acquiring a minority stake in the team’s ownership in 1994.
    The transaction is pending upon the approval of the Texas League, Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball.

Downtown Council backs Royals renovation bid
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Kansas City's Downtown Council, which had been orchestrating efforts for a new downtown ballpark for the Kansas City Royals, bowed down to reality and endorsed the ballot initiative to renovate the Truman Sports Complex on Thursday after being urged not to be "parochial" by holding out for a downtown ballpark. With a 25-4 vote, the board approved a resolution supporting the stadium proposal to be considered by Jackson County voters in April. It calls for a 3/8 -cent sales tax increase for 25 years to fund the county’s $425 million share of the $575 million reconstruction plan. In return, the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs would extend their leases at the Truman Sports Complex through 2031. The council didn't take a stand on the additional question of adding a roof to the complex. For a look at how a roof would cover both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, here's an animation courtesy of HOK S+V+E. (Warning: this is a large file in the WMV format. Be patient when downloading it.)
     RELATED STORIES: Advocates kick off effort for Kansas City ballpark taxes; Rift splits backers of downtown Kansas City ballpark; Use tax alone won't cover a rolling roof; Glass: Tax failure could force Royals' hand; Glass can't imagine selling naming rights for Kauffman Stadium; Future of Truman complex now up to voters; Royals agree to ticket surcharge; Retractable roof back on for Kauffman Stadium?; Jackson County, Royals to finalize lease for Kauffman Stadium; Bonuses offered to Jackson Countians; Kauffman Stadium renovation sales tax on the way to voters; Kauffman Stadium negotiations near goal; Sizing up challenge of raising the roof; Glass: No thanks to roof for Kauffman Stadium; Kauffman Stadium to get roof?; Summit suggested on Kansas City ballpark proposal; Chairman speaks out about downtown K.C. ballpark; Cost of keeping Chiefs, Royals seems to be in voters' hands; Downtown ballpark idea builds on a KC vision; Downtown ballpark proposal would one-up bistate cost; Downtown KC ballpark dreamers need a reality check; Offensive renewed for downtown KC ballpark; Analyst proposes $357M downtown KC ballpark; Downtown Council shapes plan for new KC ballpark; Residents point out KC stadium benefits; Lend downtown KC ballpark boosters an ear at ‘listening tour’; Kansas City negotiator fired after comments; KC stadium finance tilts toward Chiefs

Cactus League expects dip in ticket sales
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After a few months of proclaiming that all was well on the ticket front for Cactus League games, officials finally admitted that this spring will be much slower than the two previous record-setting springs. (Of course, if you receive the Spring Training Online newsletter -- where we track ticket sales -- you'd know sales would significantly slower this spring.) Despite the return of Barry Bonds and a renovated ballpark, ducats to Giants matches are easier to snare this year, and the Cubs are drawing significantly fewer fans to HoHoKam Park. On the flip side, both the White Sox and Angels are expecting larger crowds this spring -- but they've never drawn well in the past, so we're not talking about a potential string of sellouts. Unlike some, we don't see the World Baseball Classic taking away from spring training: while some fans have expressed displeasure with not seeing their favorite players (particularly Yankees fans mad Derek Jeter is in Arizona and not Tampa), that event seems to be drawing a completely different -- and much smaller -- fan base. Stars continue to drop their commitments to the WBC: yesterday Pedro Martinez and Corey Koskie announced they'd be skipping the tourney. Speaking of the WBC: five of the 12 teams in the tourney will sport ads on their uniforms.

GreenJackets, Giants extend affiliation
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More affiliate news: the Augusta GreenJackets and their parent ball club, the San Francisco Giants, today announced a two-year extension on the player development agreement originally set to expire after the 2006 season. The extension means the GreenJackets will remain a Giants affiliate through at least the 2008 season. We're still really early in the process for 2007-2008 -- teams don't need to start the decision-making process until August -- but teams can renew their affiliate deals at any time. Here's a current listing of the affiliate status for all MLB and MiLB teams. Let us know about any updates to this list.

New for 2006: Allegiance Field at Ogren Park
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The name of the home of the Missoula Ospreys (rookie; Pioneer League) is changing from Play Ball Park to Allegiance Field at Ogren Park, as Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and Kathy Ogren, who owns Bitterroot Motors among other businesses, combined to donate $1 million for the naming rights to the ballpark. Play Ball Missoula has privately financed much of the ballpark's construction, but is still $2 million short and has been warned by MiLB that further improvements, such as permanent clubhouses, must be made. More from the Missoulian.

New for 2006: AT&T Bricktown Park
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This is merely the official announcement to what had been expected for months: the home of the Oklahoma Redhawks (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) will be known as AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, a change from SBC Bricktown Ballpark. The name change was necessitated after SBC purchased AT&T and then adopted the more widely known moniker. The ballpark originally was named the Bricktown Ballpark but was changed to Southwestern Bell Park when a corporate naming deal was announced in January 1998. Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark replaced the first corporate name, followed by SBC Bricktown Ballpark in 2002 after Southwestern Bell began operating as SBC. The original RedHawks ownership signed a 20-year lease with a five-year renewal on the ballpark that included control of the naming rights.

Judge turns down Anaheim's request to force Angels name change
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Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter Polos denied the city of Anaheim's request to permanently block the Angels from using "Los Angeles" in the team's name, giving the team its fifth and possibly last court victory. He said there were no grounds to overturn last month's jury verdict. By a 9-3 vote, jurors said the Angels did not violate five words in the ballpark lease that required that the team "include the name Anaheim therein." The city sued the team for breach of contract last January, shortly after owner Arte Moreno changed the team name. A jury found in the team's favor on Feb. 9, dashing the city's hope of recovering millions of dollars in publicity and tourist revenue it claimed the name change cost Anaheim.
    RELATED STORIES: Anaheim, Angels heading back to court over name; Anaheim will try again to make Angels use old name; Anaheim strikes out in lawsuit against Angels; Experts testify Anaheim hardly lost any revenue; Moreno admits he violated one provision of ballpark lease; Moreno doesn't crack, except for a few jokes; Anaheim inclusion emphasized; Names on items debated in Angels lawsuit; Judge urges Angels, Anaheim to settle; First witness called in Anaheim's lawsuit against Angels; Despite talk, no signal of Angels making move; Anaheim may plan on Angels move in 2016

Baseball Notes
Posted March 3, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Skeeter Barnes is the new manager of the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League). He was the team's hitting coach last season. Dave Howard was named manager of  the team last month, but resigned shortly thereafter. Barnes played professionally for 17 seasons, including a four-year stint with the Detroit Tigers. In 2000, he managed the Lakeland Tigers (Class A; Florida State League) to a 52-88 record.

Three-city race for new Arizona spring-training ballpark?
Posted March 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Goodyear, Casa Grande and Glendale have all expressed significant interest and are farther along in the process to lure two teams to Arizona from the Grapefruit League in Florida, said Jeff Schatzki, the executive director of the Arizona Baseball and Softball Commission. Goodyear voters already passed funding legislation last year when the team attempted to lure the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Meanwhile, Casa Grande is the former spring home of the San Francisco Giants; it's located 50 miles south of Phoenix. Glendale is a western suburb that's already home to the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) at Glendale Arena, while a new stadium is being erected for the Arizona Cardinals. From what we've heard, it's actually a four-city race: Chandler officials have also done some planning on the issue. Schatski believes a deal could be in place within the next six months and that a new stadium could be built by 2008, if the host city fast-tracks the project. Three teams -- Cleveland, Baltimore and Cincinnati -- have been mentioned as possibly being interested in a move to Arizona, but that window may be closing fast. For scheduling purposes, teams must move in pairs, but two teams may not be looking too hard at a westward move. Cleveland seems to be aggressively looking at Florida locations, most recently discussing a new spring base with the Orlando suburb of Apopka. The Reds are putting down Florida roots: we've heard the Reds are close to a purchase of the Sarasota Reds (Class A; Florida State League) from the Boston Red Sox, which would indicate the team is looking to keep its Florida developmental base. The darkhorse for a potential move: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
    RELATED STORIES: Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training; Reds, Pirates team up to seek better facilities; Lee County game for third team; Spring-training facility not in city's best interests; Baseball, stadium would benefit city; Cleveland Indians scout training site in Cape Coral

Fall ballot measure for San Jose ballpark unlikely
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Bowing to worried neighbors, the San Jose City Council on Wednesday appeared to have given up on a push for a November ballot measure asking voters to endorse public subsidies for a downtown ballpark to lure the Oakland Athletics. At a morning workshop -- the first time the council has spent more than a few minutes discussing the ballpark proposal -- members urged the city's planning department to extend the public comment period on the project's new environmental review from April 6 until April 20. Neighborhood activists had requested more time to review the study. That two-week delay will mean the study probably won't be brought back to the council for final certification in time for a ballot measure to be written for this year's election. A's officials have downplayed the prospect of a San Jose move -- pointing out the territory belongs to the San Francisco Giants -- and are instead pursuing a new Fremont ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: San Jose will buy land for A's ballpark; Will smaller mean better for the A's?; A's committed to intimate 34,000 park in '06; A's owner's new plan for ballpark; Talks for new A's ballpark sputter; Soccer stadium throws curve at San Jose baseball plan; A's ownership group wants to buy MLS expansion team for San Jose; Athletics denied 3-year Coliseum lease extension; A's ballpark: 'Baseball Village' in the vision stage; Planning ahead to get A's to San Jose; San Jose buys first parcel of land for ballpark; Land acquisition for San Jose ballpark may cost $100 million; San Jose goes to bat for ballpark property; Fremont will consider a pitch for A's; Wolff on the hunt for more A's fans, new ballpark; Oakland ballpark village plan designed to win allies, public funds; Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions; Wolff unveils plans for 35,000-seat ballpark near Coliseum; A's owner to offer specific ballpark plan to keep team in Oakland; Have A's settled on new ballpark site?; Smallball suits Lew Wolff just fine; A's think small with stadium plans; Fremont politicians make a pitch for A's; A's say Coliseum lot isn't feasible; Athletics announce committee to plan new Oakland ballpark; Another San Jose site eyed for baseball; The time has come for new A's ballpark; No specifics on new Oakland ballpark, but plans in the works; San Jose quits discussions on cannery; Wolff about to take over; Going to bat for A's is big opportunity for San Jose mayor; Wolff: A's ballpark already in works; Deal near for San Jose cannery site; For A's, way to San Jose paved with uncertainty; San Jose baseball crusader makes his pitch; A's sale could happen quickly; Sale of A's to heighten San Jose intrigue; BART to the ballpark, what a vision; Another San Jose pitch for baseball; San Jose mayor makes his pitch; Q&A with A's new owner Lew Wolff

Sounds settle on 2008 opening date for new ballpark
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The Nashville Sounds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) formally announced their new downtown ballpark will open for the 2008 season, ending speculation that construction might be finished in time for a 2007 opening. The team selected Turner Universal Construction Company and the Don Hardin Group to provide construction management services for the new Nashville Sounds baseball stadium. Turner Universal is the local operating subsidiary of Turner Construction and has been building in Nashville for more than 30 years. Turner has long been recognized as a leader in sports facility construction, including their work on more than a dozen baseball stadiums. Local sports projects for Turner Universal include the Nashville Arena and The Nashville Superspeedway. The Don Hardin Group is a local, minority-owned construction management firm whose clients include Vanderbilt University. More from the Tennessean and Nashville City Paper.
    RELATED STORIES: Ballpark opening date up in air, Sounds say; Nashville Metro Council approves new Sounds ballpark; Company says Sounds deal sets stage for Frank project; Sounds send commitment letter to Council; Caucus continues pressure for minorities' role in stadium; Nashville Council Black Caucus wants more minority work on ballpark; Sounds are rounding third; Sounds remain at bargaining table; Nashville Sounds one vote away from new ballpark; Council should give Nashville ballpark their support; Sounds woo minority business owners for ballpark project; Sounds ballpark vote delayed; Museum, dining wanted at new Sounds ballpark; Sounds move ahead with ballpark design; Sounds weak; Sounds ballpark proposal passes first test on Council; Opposition to Nashville ballpark gears up on council; Many good questions raised over Sounds deal; Chamber of Commerce backs Sounds ballpark plan; Downtown merchants rally for Sounds; Board seeks information on Sounds ballpark deal; Neighbors of Nashville ballpark expect project to spark development; Sounds, Nashville sign agreement for new ballpark; Sides close on Sounds ballpark plan; Sounds ballpark plan nearly triples in size; New Sounds ballpark proposal in doubt; Nashville ballpark bill may have to wait until fall; Sounds deal stalls, but still in play; City bobbling save on Sounds’ perfect plan; Sounds ballpark negotiations slow; Will ballpark make SoBro soar?; Sounds swing deal to get new ballpark; Sounds win city approval for new ballpark

San Antonio under 'serious consideration' for Marlins relocation
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San Antonio has become the focus of Marlins' relocation discussions, Major League Baseball president Bob DuPuy said Wednesday. He didn't go as far to say that the city was the front-runner to land the team, preferring to reiterate the Marlins' preference to stay in the Miami area. This is bluster designed to get Florida officials jumping: no financing plan for a new ballpark has been presented, and Mayor Phil Hardberger hasn't sounded thrilled about Major League Baseball, preferring to focus on landing an NFL team. We're also not sure about the ownership of the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers being too thrilled about this, either. Left in the cold: Las Vegas, as Marlins officials still have not received permission to discuss a deal with Sin City.
    RELATED STORIES: Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials; Marlins to Oklahoma City?; Half-cent hike in Miami-Dade might help fund a Marlins ballpark; Owner laughs off idea of his track as Marlins ballpark site; Marlins, FAU to discuss stadium options; Norfolk session pleases Marlins; Possibility of Marlins ballpark deal called remote; Marlins ballpark options full of drawbacks; Marlins trip to Vegas a no-go, for now; Marlins' future remains in limbo; Marlins, Hialeah discuss ballpark; Official: Raleigh should pursue Marlins; Hialeah and baseball are a good fit if team opens its wallet; Marlins, Hialeah to talk about new ballpark; Big pitch: Charlotte ballpark, Major League Baseball?; Norfolk could get back in the game; A few details could help lure baseball; Relocation game in early going as Marlins officials visit Portland; As Marlins go fishing, there's no bite here; Portland baseball backers eye Coliseum as stadium site; Miami 'SuperSite' plan put on hold; Miami-Dade seeks solution for a Marlins ballpark; Bad marriage brings fire sale, suitors; Marlins begin relocation tour in San Antonio; Source: Huizenga offers to help Marlins; Seven cities express interest in Marlins; Miami City Manager: Samson lied about Marlins' share; Goodman: Las Vegas is interested in Marlins; Marlins will explore relocation; Our lack of support forces Marlins' hand; Ballpark plans could be latest victim of Wilma; Ballpark as shelter best shot for Marlins; Marlins deserve better market; Weston officials pitch ballpark as Marlins' home and hurricane shelter; Prospects dim for Marlins stadium deal; New Marlins ballpark proposal would tear down Orange Bowl; Marlins, city end ballpark talks; Marlins still talking new ballpark; resolution could be "months" away; Selig: Marlins need new ballpark; Marlins president: Team still reviewing ballpark options; Marlins shortfall still unresolved; Ballpark talks in Florida; Dolphins Stadium with retractable roof may be pitched to Marlins; Miami-Dade extends the clock on plan for ballpark financing; June deadline for Marlins ballpark; Marlins could look elsewhere after another loss in Florida; Marlins will reevaluate ballpark options; Las Vegas smacks its lips; Strikeout for Marlins ballpark as session winds down; Marlins keep pitching for ballpark subsidy; Selig doesn't rule out Marlins move if new ballpark isn't built; The Marlins' toughest foe: Tallahassee; Marlins may get new lease at Dolphins Stadium; Huizenga remarks help undercut Marlins stadium deal in Legislature; Marlins' ballpark plan gets resistance -- again; Las Vegas still willing to gamble on baseball; Miami-Dade OKs financing for $420 million Marlins ballpark; Poll finds little support for public funding of Marlins ballpark; Tentative Marlins ballpark deal announced; State open to Marlins ballpark proposal; Miami gives Marlins ballpark the nod

Talks continue on ballpark near Xanadu
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Developers of the Xanadu retail and entertainment center balked yesterday on their plan to seek a new team to build a minor-league ballpark at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The developers, the Mills Corp. and Mack-Cali Realty, threatened to look elsewhere in January after negotiations stalled with Steve Kalafer, owner of the proposed Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League). Kalafer has sued Mills/Mack-Cali for reneging on a verbal agreement to build a $30 million ballpark and charge him about $700,000 per year to lease the ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Mills Corp. hires advisers on possible Xanadu sale; Xanadu calls ballpark suit bush league; Xanadu sued over ballpark; Developer to seek bids for Xanadu ballpark; Xanadu builders can toss ballpark; Baseball for Bergen stuck in rent dispute; Ballpark at Xanadu is thrown a curveball

Williams draws political fire on ballpark finance plan
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A strategy offered by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams to ensure that Major League Baseball will not have to pay for potential cost overruns on a new Washington Nationals ballpark drew critical and angry reactions from several D.C. Council members yesterday. The Williams administration told baseball officials this week that $20 million in surplus tax revenue being raised to finance debt on construction bonds can be used to cover overruns if necessary. Williams is trying to persuade baseball to endorse a $611 million stadium spending cap on city funds the council approved last month. Some of the harping is political -- coming from the mayor's traditional opponents -- but some of it is coming from supporters of the ballpark, including Linda Cropp. More from the Washington Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Williams digs up more ballpark cash; Court rejects D.C. bid for private land; Mayor confident of Nats lease approval; D.C. finance chief approves Council's ballpark spending cap; MLB expresses concerns about Nats lease; will continue negotiations; Nationals ballpark spending document released; D.C. ballpark lease leaves questions; Washington council forges deal on Nats ballpark; Williams revises Nats ballpark cost plan; Private financing for D.C. ballpark canceled; Nationals ballpark pact to be revised for financing; Mr. Gandhi's fastball; D.C., MLB reach agreement on new ballpark lease; Williams confident of Nats ballpark lease agreement; D.C. asks court to let city push owners from ballpark site; D.C. ballpark design retooled to cut costs; Cropp proposes 'compromise' on Nats ballpark; New D.C. ballpark: DOA?; City may put cap on Nats ballpark lease; MLB to seek arbitration over D.C. ballpark; Bob DuPuy: Why the D.C. ballpark plan isn't done; Land sale possible to fund D.C. ballpark; Ballpark costs hinder D.C. lease; Washington ballpark vote delayed until next year; D.C. Council vote on Nats ballpark delayed; Williams, Cropp push to tweak Nats ballpark lease; MLB opposes moving Nats ballpark site; D.C. ballpark price tag rises by millions; True costs of D.C. ballpark go beyond budget; Accord reached on new D.C. ballpark; New cost estimate for D.C. ballpark: $700 million; Washington ballpark 'hurdles' are cleared, Cropp says; Tentative deal reached on lease for D.C. ballpark; MLB does not rule out RFK site for new ballpark; Evans: No need for $20M for D.C.; D.C. lease talks stumble; New hurdle for D.C. ballpark lease deal; D.C. ballpark property takeover delayed; Washington ballpark's rising price tag compels cuts; D.C. ballpark's modern design is clear winner on Council; Baseball hopes to resolve Nationals' lease; D.C. to seek more money from MLB; It's official: no vote on Nats owners next week; MLB, District close to lease; Some D.C. ballpark features may be cut; MLB seeking to merge D.C. bidders; Cropp: D.C. financing agreement fixed; Cropp vows ballpark on Anacostia; D.C. seizes 16 owners' property for Nats ballpark; D.C. ballpark property owners balking; D.C. landowners face deadline today

Anaheim, Angels heading back to court over name
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Nearly a month after losing at trial, the city of Anaheim will ask a judge to order the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to resume calling itself the Anaheim Angels. The city sued the team for breach of contract last January, shortly after owner Arte Moreno changed the team name. A jury found in the team's favor on Feb. 9, dashing the city's hope of recovering millions of dollars in publicity and tourist revenue it claimed the name change cost Anaheim. On Thursday, the city's attorneys were headed back to court to ask Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter J. Polos to order the baseball team to resume calling itself the Anaheim Angels.
    RELATED STORIES: Anaheim will try again to make Angels use old name; Anaheim strikes out in lawsuit against Angels; Experts testify Anaheim hardly lost any revenue; Moreno admits he violated one provision of ballpark lease; Moreno doesn't crack, except for a few jokes; Anaheim inclusion emphasized; Names on items debated in Angels lawsuit; Judge urges Angels, Anaheim to settle; First witness called in Anaheim's lawsuit against Angels; Despite talk, no signal of Angels making move; Anaheim may plan on Angels move in 2016

Kinston, Daytona receive affiliate extensions
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The Cleveland Indians officially announced an extension of their affiliation with the Kinston Indians (Class A; Carolina League) by signing a two-year player development contract through the 2008 season. The original agreement between Cleveland and Kinston began in 1987 with the current contract expiring at the end of the 2006 season. Meanwhile, the Daytona Cubs (Class A; Florida State League) are expected to announce today that the team's player-development deal with the Chicago Cubs is expected to be extended for two more years.

Spring-training games begin
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In case you didn't notice, spring training games officially started yesterday with some charity, college and intrasquad games. Ironically, rain interrupted a Diamondbacks-White Sox game at Tucson Electric Park: it's been the driest winter in decades in Arizona (Phoenix went 132+ days without rain), but the weather didn't stop over 3,200 fans from showing up to the opener. If you're thinking about heading to spring training, this is the year: only the New York Yankees have sold out every game, and for some reason one of the most coveted spring-training tickets in recent years -- to a Red Sox game in Fort Myers -- is not so hot anymore. We're not entirely sure you should try to take in a World Baseball Classic game (despite many good, good seats available for virtually every game), as stars keep dropping out of the tourney: yester Vladimir Guerrero announced he was skipping the tourney.

TEP has helped Ajo Way, but more was anticipated
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Speaking of Tucson Electric Park: here's a look at the spring home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox ten years after it was pitched to local voters. Much of the promised development in the area didn't happen -- there are no new restaurants or hotels in the area -- and now it appears Tucson missed out on a mighty redevelopment tool when they selected Ajo Way for the ballpark instead of downtown. The Diamondbacks and White Sox are contracted to use the sprawling Kino Sports Complex through 2013, but there are always rumors of White Sox management seeking another team to take over its lease so the team can move spring operations to Phoenix.

Spikes purchase formally approved
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This was more a formality than anything else, but the purchase of the State College Spikes (short season; NY-Penn League) was officially approved by the league, MiLB and MLB. Curve Baseball LP, which already owns the Altoona Curve (Class AA; Eastern League) and is in the process of buying the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League), purchased the former New Jersey Cardinals and are moving the team to a new ballpark in State College, Penn.

Midland planners approve ballpark site plan
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The Midland Planning Commission has sent a site plan for a 3,500-seat baseball stadium to the City Council. The council will consider the plan Monday. Construction could start in April on 21 acres bounded by State, Buttles, Lyon and Dow Chemical Co. property, with an opening of the ballpark expected for the 2007 season. The Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Class A; Midwest League) will be making the move, pending MiLB and MLB approval.
    RELATED STORIES: Michigan Baseball Foundation signs purchase agreement for D-Rays; New Midland ballpark a big -- and exciting -- undertaking; It's official: Midland group buying SW Michigan D-Rays; Owner says he's discussed moving Battle Creek team; Midland officials have seen no plans for baseball team; Will Midland get minor league baseball team?

Macon a name in Macon
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The independent South Coast League of Professional Baseball's Macon, Georgia franchise is searching for an identity and they'd like your help. The club is holding a "Name the Team" contest during the month of March to determine that identity. The Macon Professional Baseball Club is asking all Macon and central Georgia residents to submit their ideas for a team name by logging on to www.maconbaseball.com and filling out the "name the team" online survey. The contest will run from March 1st through March 21st and the unveiling of the club's name and logo will take place at an April event yet to be determined. The winning entrant will receive two 2007 season tickets, Macon Baseball Merchandise and the right to present the 2007 Opening Day lineup Card to the umpire prior to the start of the game.
    RELATED STORIES: Macon City Council approves baseball contract; Baseball's return now in hands of Macon council; League looking to bring pro baseball to Greenville; South Coast League contacts Wilmington officials; Macon moves toward bringing baseball back to the city; Minor-league baseball in Macon -- again?; Macon ponders two baseball proposals; City explores baseball's return to Macon; Baseball team could slide home to Bluffton; South Coast League announces 2007 launch

Baseball Notes
Posted March 2, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Erie SeaWolves (Class AA; Eastern League) have announced the hiring of new play-by-play broadcaster Greg Gania for the 2006 season. Gania, a Warren, Ohio native, has spent last three seasons as the broadcaster of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (short season; NY-Penn League). During his time in Mahoning Valley, Gania handled play-by-play duties for all 76 games of the New York-Penn League season. He also called the Scrappers 2004 NYPL Championship. A 2005 graduate of Bowling Green State University, Gania replaces Justin Kutcher, who served as the 2005 SeaWolves broadcaster.

Williams digs up more ballpark cash
Posted March 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams has told Major League Baseball officials that the city has identified $20 million to cover potential cost overruns for a new Washington Nationals ballpark, a proposal that could resolve the acrimonious standoff over the project. But several D.C. Council members expressed concern yesterday that the plan would put the city's investment in the stadium over the $611 million spending cap the council approved last month. MLB and D.C. are rapidly approaching a March 6 deadline to resolve outstanding issues regarding the lease and any cost overruns.
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After nine years, Sandcastle still waits for permit
Posted March 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Sandcastle, the home of the Atlantic City Surf (independent; Atlantic League), has been operating under a temporary certificate of occupancy for the last nine years -- and apparently under none at all for the last several. The problem has nothing to do with the Surf, really: the city asked for a temporary certificate after postponing planned street improvements next to the ballpark, and the road work was never finished.

Gem of local baseball history found
Posted March 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's nothing like a little dogged research: Doug Brei's time spent perusing microfilm led to a change in the home of the New York Black Yankees of the Negro National League: the team actually played an abbreviated 1948 (and final) season at Red Wing Stadium in Rochester after moving from Yankee Stadium. The Black Yankees wound up winning just eight of 40 games before folding. At the end of the 1948 campaign, the Negro National League went under.

Memorial Stadium far from obsolete
Posted March 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As Fort Wayne officials continue to discuss a new downtown ballpark, the future of Memorial Stadium, the current home of the Fort Wayne Wizards (Class A; Midwest League), is part of the equation. Reggie Hayes makes some good points -- that new isn't necessarily better, saying that Wrigley Field is a classic -- but let's be honest: Memorial Stadium ain't no Wrigley Field. When the "minimalist beauty" of Memorial Stadium (i.e., lots of exposed concrete) is mentioned as a main selling point, you know the argument is already done.
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Renovation of the Disch expected to begin in July
Posted March 1, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The long-awaited renovation of Disch-Falk Field is expected to begin in July, as UT athletic department has been reviewing plans for the project, which will remake a ballpark that first opened in 1975. The Longhorns won't shift any home games in 2007, even though the renovation will be ongoing during the season, with the new ballpark completed in time for the start of the 2008 season. The renovation is expected to cost $18 million, $13.1 million of which came through a naming-rights agreement with University Federal Credit Union last October. The renovation will include 1,400 new seats -- expanding Disch-Falk's seating capacity to about 8,000 -- club seating, new concessions, new restrooms and new locker and weight rooms.
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Mets to go old school in new park
Posted February 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
As we've reported here, the design for a new New York Mets ballpark will feature a retro design with lots of brick facades and a look designed to evoke Ebbets Field, including a space designed to look like the famous rotunda. The triple-decker will hold 44,100 fans. Shea holds 56,000. With 42,500 seats, it will be standing room only for about 1,600 on sold-out days. In left field, a glass-enclosed sit-down restaurant and lounge will be available for season ticket customers. The proposal calls for construction to begin just east of Shea Stadium this summer and be completed by Opening Day 2009, when the Mets' home since 1964 will be torn down to make way for surface parking. The Mets are planning on releasing renderings soon: it now looks like sometime in March
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Marlins front office meets with Homestead officials
Posted February 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Florida Marlins president David Samson met with three Homestead officials to discuss the unlikely possibility of moving the team to Homestead. Samson and two others Marlins executives spent 90 minutes with Homestead Mayor Roscoe Warren, city manager Curt Ivy and parks and recreation director Kirk Hearin. The Homestead officials discussed building a domed stadium on the current site of the city's baseball complex (where 118 acres are available), but did not offer any suggestions to fund construction costs. If the Marlins moved to Homestead, the Homestead baseball complex would likely be torn down. The issue with the Homestead site: there's no way the city can swing ballpark financing, so the Marlins and other government entities would need to step forward.
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Twins ballpark initiative resuming
Posted February 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat says he'll likely seek a resolution at today's board meeting to allow staff to renegotiate an expired ballpark agreement with the Twins, given that state Capitol leaders report enough votes to approve the plan in the legislative session beginning Wednesday. Three of the seven commissioners have sharply criticized the Twins deal, and they're expected to raise objections again today. A deal to finance the ballpark with a 0.15 percent countywide sales tax (excluding food, clothing and medicine) expired last year after the Legislature didn't vote on the proposal, and the delay added $30 million to the project.
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Is it hot in here, or is it them?
Posted February 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Most head coaches talk about the importance of peaking at the right time, or how the season is a marathon, not a sprint, or how early success is great but they’re more concerned with how the team finishes, or that they don’t pay attention to the polls, or...you get the idea. That’s all well and fine, but these coaches must breathe a huge sigh of relief when their team starts strong, and maybe even crack a satisfied smile when it stays strong. Several teams are proving critics wrong with continued strong performances. Glen Strandberg sums up last weekend's action in NCAA baseball.

Baseball Notes
Posted February 28, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The independent Northern League announced the appointment of Garrett Gosselink as its new vice-president of operations, effective immediately. Gosselink, who has worked in professional baseball for more than a decade, replaces John Blake, the Northern League's former chief operating officer, who in January accepted a position with the Ryan-Sanders Baseball Organization. Gosselink, 37, returns to the Northern League after working in private business for the last year. Gosselink, known by the on-air name of "Alan Garrett" during his 18-year career as a professional and college sports broadcaster, served as the Gary SouthShore RailCats director of media and broadcasting from 2003 to 2004....Mike Antonellis and Todd Jamison return as the radio voices of the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League). Chris Fama joins the broadcast team as a pre and post-game show host for the 2006 season....Brian Drahman is manager and Pete Caliendo director of player procurement for the Sussex SkyHawks (independent; Can-Am Association). Drahman is a former big-league reliever with four years of major league experience pitching for the Chicago White Sox and Florida Marlins; he's spend the last five seasons as pitching coach for several independent teams. Caliendo's experience in independent baseball began in 1999 with the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks (independent; Northern League). In 2002, Caliendo was named director of player procurement of the North Shore Spirit (independent; Can-Am League).

Cardinals well on their way to selling out new ballpark
Posted February 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The St. Louis Cardinals are well on their way to selling out the first season at the new Busch Stadium before a single pitch has been thrown there. According to team President Mark Lamping, 3,020,500 of 3,531,377 tickets available -- or nearly 85 percent of tickets available for the 2006 season -- already have been spoken for, and the team has halted season-ticket sales. For the first half of the season, the new ballpark will hold 40,713 spectators. By July 13, it should be up to full capacity with room for 46,861. More from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Developer joins ballpark initiative
Posted February 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The developers of a $500 million project in Richmond will help the city build a ballpark at the Fulton Gas Works site for the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League), as well as a nearby marina, according to Mayor Douglas Wilder. Wilder didn't provide many details, though he did hint the project would end up costing taxpayers anything. Wilder said he expects to see next week a proposed memorandum of understanding from the Atlanta Braves, which owns the Richmond team. That memorandum would spell out all the issues both the city and the Braves want to resolve before proceeding with the Fulton Gas Works site.
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Apopka making its pitch for Indians spring training
Posted February 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Apopka, Florida is the latest city to show interest in developing a new spring-training facility for the Cleveland Indians, joining Cape Coral in the sweepstakes. Nothing past the standard exchange of information has been performed; Apopka is a northern suburb of Orlando. The Indians may not be along: we've also heard stirrings about at least one group looking to buy the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Class AA; Southern League) and moving the team to a new complex in the Orlando area, possibly taking on Disney's Wide World of Sports in terms of youth tournaments; we've also heard the name of the Brevard County Manatees (Class A; Florida State League) mentioned in conjunction with this kind of project.

Take me out to the ballpark to live, shop, see USC play
Posted February 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The University of South Carolina's plans for a new $20-million ballpark overlooking the Congaree River involve more than just baseball: they also include a single-family strip of homes on Catawba Street and a public park along the riverbank, with future development possibly including condominiums, retail stores, commercial office buildings, campus research facilities or other university buildings such as an alumni center. Some area businesses are already complaining about potential parking problems (USC isn't providing enough parking per city codes), and there are other regulatory hurdles to overcome. Some will miss The Sarge, though.

Springfield Cards fans will have freedom to move
Posted February 27, 2006 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Springfield Cardinals (Class AA; Texas League) are removing 500 seats from Hammons Field to create much-needed aisles for the upcoming season. And they are doing so with little worry of matching last year's attendance numbers that rocketed past the half-million mark. There are other changes to Hammons Field planned: Construction will begin during the season on a boardwalk connecting the center field hill to the bullpen patio in the right-field corner. Fans also will notice a number of other changes, including pine trees lining the outfield concourse, a rose garden by the scoreboard and players sporting names on the backs of jerseys.