The Arizona Republic
Jessica Coomes, Jan. 28, 2008 07:17 PM
Goodyear and the Cincinnati Reds will spend the next 75 days hammering out a deal that could bring the team's spring-training camp to Arizona.
The Goodyear City Council on Monday agreed to stop negotiating with other baseball teams looking to move spring training to the southwest Valley city.
Reds officials will reciprocate by breaking off talks with cities that want the team to train in their communities. That includes Sarasota, Fla., the Reds' current spring home.
It would cost $32 million to accommodate a second team to join the Cleveland Indians in the Goodyear ballpark, Interim City Manager Brian Dalke said. The cost includes purchasing 48 acres and constructing a clubhouse, practice fields and other training facilities.
That's in addition to the $75 million Goodyear and the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority split to build the ballpark and Indians training facilities, which are under construction. The sports authority has no money to help Goodyear build facilities for a second team.
The Goodyear council approved the exclusivity agreement Monday evening, 6-0, with no discussion. City officials last week said the agreement called on the two sides to negotiate exclusively for 90 days; however, the council approved a 75-day deal. The reason for the discrepancy was not immediately clear.
"If we didn't think we could get it done, we wouldn't go into it," Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said Monday night, referring to the exclusivity agreement, which team officials are expected to sign soon. "Both sides want an agreement to get done."
The Reds have been looking for a place to hold spring training since Sarasota voters rejected paying for renovations to the team's stadium.
The Reds have the option to stay in Sarasota until 2011. Dalke said it's likely the Goodyear ballpark site near Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road would be ready for a second team by 2010. The Indians start training in Goodyear and join the Cactus League in 2009.
Reach the reporter at 602-444-6511 or jessica.coomes@arizonarepublic.com.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Reds, Goodyear enter agreement
01/28/2008 10:35 PM ET
Deal the next step toward moving Spring Training facilities
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
After holding a special meeting on Monday, the Goodyear (Ariz.) City Council agreed to enter into a 75-day exclusivity agreement with the Reds, an agreement that looks to be the next big step forward in Cincinnati's search for a new Spring Training home.
Goodyear, a Phoenix suburb, has been trying to attract another team to its $75 million facility, which is currently being constructed. And with the Reds' current search for a new Spring Training facility in the works, there is mutual interest from both sides to make Goodyear the team's future spring home.
Because this 75-day agreement won't officially go into effect until it is signed by both parties, the exact dates of when that period would end have not yet been determined. It would, however, fall sometime in mid-April.
Under this agreement, the Reds must stop negotiations with any other Spring Training facility. Likewise, during that time, Goodyear cannot consult with any other teams that may potentially be interested in the facility as well.
However, John Allen, who is heading the Reds' search for the new Spring Training site, cautioned fans from making the assumption that the negotiating agreement means an official move is imminent.
"There is still financing to be done and the terms of the lease to be worked out," Allen said. "But the people and the city of Goodyear gave us the feeling they wanted us out there. They sold us on the baseball facilities and the village area around it. We were very impressed with their long-term planning and the parts of the master plan they already have laid out."
If an agreement is reached, the Reds would be joining the Indians in Goodyear. The facility would provide separate clubhouses and practice fields for both teams, though both would share the same main field for Spring Training games.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Allen put to rest any concerns about having to share a facility with another team.
"We visited the Royals and Rangers at their shared complex in Surprise, and they've had no issues," said Allen, the Reds' former chief operating officer. "The leases will be very clear as to what each team will have. The Indians are very excited about it, as we are."
Though Cleveland is set to begin holding its Spring Training in Goodyear next year, the earliest Cincinnati would be able to move its spring camp out west would be in 2010.
The Reds, who are set to begin their 11th straight Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., can, in the meantime, extend any or all of their three one-year options that they have on their current lease in Sarasota. Doing so would give the Reds the ability to stay in Florida through Spring Training of 2011.
The search for a new Spring Training facility has been ongoing since Sarasota voters declined to approve a $16 million referendum back in early November. The referendum needed http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifto pass in order to finance the final $16 million of the proposed $54 million in necessary stadium renovations and facility additions.
In addition, as recently as last week, the Sarasota County Commission put off a vote that could potentially have given $17.6 million from the state and city government to assist in remodeling Ed Smith Stadium.
Though an agreement with Sarasota is not entirely out of the question, it appears that unless something changes substantially in the near future, economics will push the Reds out of their current Spring Training home.
"The proposed facilities in Goodyear will be the best in baseball," Allen said. "Ultimately, our job is to find a facility that will best benefit our team in terms of getting it prepared to play baseball in April."
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Deal the next step toward moving Spring Training facilities
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
After holding a special meeting on Monday, the Goodyear (Ariz.) City Council agreed to enter into a 75-day exclusivity agreement with the Reds, an agreement that looks to be the next big step forward in Cincinnati's search for a new Spring Training home.
Goodyear, a Phoenix suburb, has been trying to attract another team to its $75 million facility, which is currently being constructed. And with the Reds' current search for a new Spring Training facility in the works, there is mutual interest from both sides to make Goodyear the team's future spring home.
Because this 75-day agreement won't officially go into effect until it is signed by both parties, the exact dates of when that period would end have not yet been determined. It would, however, fall sometime in mid-April.
Under this agreement, the Reds must stop negotiations with any other Spring Training facility. Likewise, during that time, Goodyear cannot consult with any other teams that may potentially be interested in the facility as well.
However, John Allen, who is heading the Reds' search for the new Spring Training site, cautioned fans from making the assumption that the negotiating agreement means an official move is imminent.
"There is still financing to be done and the terms of the lease to be worked out," Allen said. "But the people and the city of Goodyear gave us the feeling they wanted us out there. They sold us on the baseball facilities and the village area around it. We were very impressed with their long-term planning and the parts of the master plan they already have laid out."
If an agreement is reached, the Reds would be joining the Indians in Goodyear. The facility would provide separate clubhouses and practice fields for both teams, though both would share the same main field for Spring Training games.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Allen put to rest any concerns about having to share a facility with another team.
"We visited the Royals and Rangers at their shared complex in Surprise, and they've had no issues," said Allen, the Reds' former chief operating officer. "The leases will be very clear as to what each team will have. The Indians are very excited about it, as we are."
Though Cleveland is set to begin holding its Spring Training in Goodyear next year, the earliest Cincinnati would be able to move its spring camp out west would be in 2010.
The Reds, who are set to begin their 11th straight Spring Training in Sarasota, Fla., can, in the meantime, extend any or all of their three one-year options that they have on their current lease in Sarasota. Doing so would give the Reds the ability to stay in Florida through Spring Training of 2011.
The search for a new Spring Training facility has been ongoing since Sarasota voters declined to approve a $16 million referendum back in early November. The referendum needed http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifto pass in order to finance the final $16 million of the proposed $54 million in necessary stadium renovations and facility additions.
In addition, as recently as last week, the Sarasota County Commission put off a vote that could potentially have given $17.6 million from the state and city government to assist in remodeling Ed Smith Stadium.
Though an agreement with Sarasota is not entirely out of the question, it appears that unless something changes substantially in the near future, economics will push the Reds out of their current Spring Training home.
"The proposed facilities in Goodyear will be the best in baseball," Allen said. "Ultimately, our job is to find a facility that will best benefit our team in terms of getting it prepared to play baseball in April."
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
More Reds talk on move to Arizona
01/25/2008 10:00 PM ET
Mailbag: Considering move to Arizona
Reds beat reporter Mark Sheldon answers fans' questions
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
Normally the mailbag runs on Monday, but I'll be taking vacation next week. Here's a special, and timely, edition to get you through the weekend.
I've digested your comments on a potential move of the Reds' Spring Training home from Florida to Arizona. I would find a move to Arizona very disappointing. I suspect more Reds fans spend winter in Florida than in Arizona, and the Reds would alienate a significant number of them with the move. I for one would be upset knowing I would not have the opportunity to see the Reds when I visit relatives and a parent in Florida in the spring.
-- Joe, Minster, Ohio
I also have been digesting the ongoing debate about whether the Reds should remain in Sarasota, Fla., or head to Goodyear, Ariz. Based on these choices, they should move to Arizona. It's a no-brainer.
I've heard from lots of fans complaining about the longer distances to Arizona and how they visit family in Florida each spring. What I haven't heard is an explanation for why there are rarely capacity or near-capacity crowds at Ed Smith Stadium to see the Reds. The place holds over 8,000, and the attendance usually is closer to 4,000. The only sellouts I've noticed the past two springs are when the Red Sox or Yankees visit. While those teams draw hundreds for their workouts at their own complexes, the Reds might draw dozens to theirs.
Goodyear will decide Monday whether to enter a 90-day exclusive negotiating period with the Reds, so obviously it's getting serious. If negotiations lead to a deal, Cincinnati would become the 15th team in the Cactus League. Most of the Reds' games would be an easy driving distance compared to Florida. The drier Arizona weather also is more predictable and offers fewer rainouts.
The Reds aren't taking this decision lightly at all. I know owner Bob Castellini and consultant John Allen explored every avenue to find a way to stay in Sarasota. But the residents there turned down a tax levy last November, and last week the county commissioners there delayed a vote for an alternative funding plan.
A project that started out at $54 million for a new ballpark was whittled down to $41 for renovations of the old place and now could shrink to about $30 million. The club still would have to contribute $9 million there. In Goodyear, they'd get to play in a brand new $75 million facility while getting better economic incentives, and they likely wouldn't absorb any construction costs. And most importantly, Goodyear and its people seem to really want the Reds. I don't get that vibe from Sarasota.
I'm not about to tell residents and the government of another city how to spend their money. If they don't want baseball, that's their call. It's a myopic one, though, when you consider the economic loss of tourists, hotel rooms, restaurants, games and more. The Reds also paid for the upkeep of Ed Smith Stadium year-round while keeping a Class A affiliate and their rehab facility there. Meanwhile, the city still could have use of the place.
If Arizona isn't too far for the Indians, why is it too far for the Reds? Isn't Cleveland located in Ohio, too? It's a four-hour plane ride, not a trek to Outer Mongolia. I appreciate the Reds' long tradition in Florida, but traditions often change. People generally fear change. In this case, don't. Who knows? It could be for the better.
Here is one more Spring Training question.
Why would the Reds or any MLB team want to share a Spring Training facility with another team? It seems to me that would only cause problems. I don't want the Reds being the "ugly stepsister" to anyone, especially to Cleveland.
-- David T., New Concord, Ohio
I don't buy your "ugly stepsister" analogy, but this could be the start of a new wrinkle to this Ohio rivalry. Maybe former Bengals coach Sam Wyche can yell, "You don't live in Cleveland!" every day to Reds fans over the PA to get under Clevelanders' skin.
Sharing a stadium has advantages. For the teams, they can share in the costs of maintenance. They also would have an instant partner to scrimmage with. As for practice fields and clubhouses, they would be separate. For the city, it almost guarantees a home game every day in March and offers more chances for fans to see more baseball.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355958&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin
Mailbag: Considering move to Arizona
Reds beat reporter Mark Sheldon answers fans' questions
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
Normally the mailbag runs on Monday, but I'll be taking vacation next week. Here's a special, and timely, edition to get you through the weekend.
I've digested your comments on a potential move of the Reds' Spring Training home from Florida to Arizona. I would find a move to Arizona very disappointing. I suspect more Reds fans spend winter in Florida than in Arizona, and the Reds would alienate a significant number of them with the move. I for one would be upset knowing I would not have the opportunity to see the Reds when I visit relatives and a parent in Florida in the spring.
-- Joe, Minster, Ohio
I also have been digesting the ongoing debate about whether the Reds should remain in Sarasota, Fla., or head to Goodyear, Ariz. Based on these choices, they should move to Arizona. It's a no-brainer.
I've heard from lots of fans complaining about the longer distances to Arizona and how they visit family in Florida each spring. What I haven't heard is an explanation for why there are rarely capacity or near-capacity crowds at Ed Smith Stadium to see the Reds. The place holds over 8,000, and the attendance usually is closer to 4,000. The only sellouts I've noticed the past two springs are when the Red Sox or Yankees visit. While those teams draw hundreds for their workouts at their own complexes, the Reds might draw dozens to theirs.
Goodyear will decide Monday whether to enter a 90-day exclusive negotiating period with the Reds, so obviously it's getting serious. If negotiations lead to a deal, Cincinnati would become the 15th team in the Cactus League. Most of the Reds' games would be an easy driving distance compared to Florida. The drier Arizona weather also is more predictable and offers fewer rainouts.
The Reds aren't taking this decision lightly at all. I know owner Bob Castellini and consultant John Allen explored every avenue to find a way to stay in Sarasota. But the residents there turned down a tax levy last November, and last week the county commissioners there delayed a vote for an alternative funding plan.
A project that started out at $54 million for a new ballpark was whittled down to $41 for renovations of the old place and now could shrink to about $30 million. The club still would have to contribute $9 million there. In Goodyear, they'd get to play in a brand new $75 million facility while getting better economic incentives, and they likely wouldn't absorb any construction costs. And most importantly, Goodyear and its people seem to really want the Reds. I don't get that vibe from Sarasota.
I'm not about to tell residents and the government of another city how to spend their money. If they don't want baseball, that's their call. It's a myopic one, though, when you consider the economic loss of tourists, hotel rooms, restaurants, games and more. The Reds also paid for the upkeep of Ed Smith Stadium year-round while keeping a Class A affiliate and their rehab facility there. Meanwhile, the city still could have use of the place.
If Arizona isn't too far for the Indians, why is it too far for the Reds? Isn't Cleveland located in Ohio, too? It's a four-hour plane ride, not a trek to Outer Mongolia. I appreciate the Reds' long tradition in Florida, but traditions often change. People generally fear change. In this case, don't. Who knows? It could be for the better.
Here is one more Spring Training question.
Why would the Reds or any MLB team want to share a Spring Training facility with another team? It seems to me that would only cause problems. I don't want the Reds being the "ugly stepsister" to anyone, especially to Cleveland.
-- David T., New Concord, Ohio
I don't buy your "ugly stepsister" analogy, but this could be the start of a new wrinkle to this Ohio rivalry. Maybe former Bengals coach Sam Wyche can yell, "You don't live in Cleveland!" every day to Reds fans over the PA to get under Clevelanders' skin.
Sharing a stadium has advantages. For the teams, they can share in the costs of maintenance. They also would have an instant partner to scrimmage with. As for practice fields and clubhouses, they would be separate. For the city, it almost guarantees a home game every day in March and offers more chances for fans to see more baseball.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355958&vkey=news_cin&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Reds, Goodyear ready to move forward
The news just keeps getting better. I highlighted some interesting points.
Sides nearing an agreement for exclusive negotiations
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- The Reds' flirtation with Goodyear, Ariz., appears to be headed to the next level.
The Goodyear City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Monday to consider entering into an agreement that calls for exclusive negotiations between the sides that would bring the Reds to the Phoenix suburb for Spring Training.
If approved, it would take a couple of days to go into effect. The Reds would have to halt negotiations with any other city or facility -- including their current spring home at Sarasota, Fla. -- for 90 days. It also would prevent Goodyear from courting another team.
"It's not a done deal, but both parties are serious enough to do this," Reds consultant John Allen said Friday night.
Goodyear currently is building a $75 million complex and has been trying to lure a second Major League team to share it with the Indians. The Tribe will begin Spring Training at the new facility in 2009, but if the Reds were to join them, it wouldn't be until 2010 at the earliest. Both teams would use the main stadium but have their own workout fields and clubhouses.
The Reds' lease agreement with Sarasota expires in October, but it carries three one-year club options that could extend the stay until 2011.
Last week, Allen and Reds owner/CEO Bob Castellini were in Arizona for a presentation given by Goodyear's mayor and city manager. Allen and Castellini came away impressed with the site.
"The proposed facility will be the best in baseball for Spring Training," said Allen, the team's former chief operating officer. "It would allow us to do everything a Major League team needs to get ready for a full season."
The Reds began a Spring Training site search in November after Sarasota residents refused a $16 million referendum to fund ballpark renovations.
On Tuesday, the Sarasota County Commission delayed voting outright on providing $17.6 million for a $41 million alternative funding plan to remodel Ed Smith Stadium. The Reds would have to contribute about $9 million to the plan, while the state and city governments would chip in about $7 million each. The county currently lacks enough votes to approve the proposal.
It's believed the Reds wouldn't have to contribute much, if anything, financially for the construction costs of the Goodyear facility. Allen declined to discuss specifics of any proposals, and he said the exclusive negotiating agreement also carries a confidentiality clause.
"I can say it's a very attractive economic situation for us out there," Allen said.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355936&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Sides nearing an agreement for exclusive negotiations
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
CINCINNATI -- The Reds' flirtation with Goodyear, Ariz., appears to be headed to the next level.
The Goodyear City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Monday to consider entering into an agreement that calls for exclusive negotiations between the sides that would bring the Reds to the Phoenix suburb for Spring Training.
If approved, it would take a couple of days to go into effect. The Reds would have to halt negotiations with any other city or facility -- including their current spring home at Sarasota, Fla. -- for 90 days. It also would prevent Goodyear from courting another team.
"It's not a done deal, but both parties are serious enough to do this," Reds consultant John Allen said Friday night.
Goodyear currently is building a $75 million complex and has been trying to lure a second Major League team to share it with the Indians. The Tribe will begin Spring Training at the new facility in 2009, but if the Reds were to join them, it wouldn't be until 2010 at the earliest. Both teams would use the main stadium but have their own workout fields and clubhouses.
The Reds' lease agreement with Sarasota expires in October, but it carries three one-year club options that could extend the stay until 2011.
Last week, Allen and Reds owner/CEO Bob Castellini were in Arizona for a presentation given by Goodyear's mayor and city manager. Allen and Castellini came away impressed with the site.
"The proposed facility will be the best in baseball for Spring Training," said Allen, the team's former chief operating officer. "It would allow us to do everything a Major League team needs to get ready for a full season."
The Reds began a Spring Training site search in November after Sarasota residents refused a $16 million referendum to fund ballpark renovations.
On Tuesday, the Sarasota County Commission delayed voting outright on providing $17.6 million for a $41 million alternative funding plan to remodel Ed Smith Stadium. The Reds would have to contribute about $9 million to the plan, while the state and city governments would chip in about $7 million each. The county currently lacks enough votes to approve the proposal.
It's believed the Reds wouldn't have to contribute much, if anything, financially for the construction costs of the Goodyear facility. Allen declined to discuss specifics of any proposals, and he said the exclusive negotiating agreement also carries a confidentiality clause.
"I can say it's a very attractive economic situation for us out there," Allen said.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080125&content_id=2355936&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Yes, Sooo Close, I can smell it!
Yes! Another step closer. I just need to start figuring out how to spend the entire month of March in AZ instead of just one week.
On a side note, isn't this Griffey's last year with the Reds. I know there's an option year, but in all practical purposes this should be it for Jr. (If the Reds even think about re-signing Jr., i.e Larkin's 3-yr deal, you got to question their sanity.)
$9m saved from Sarasota, another $9m from Jr. equals a couple starters.
Reds move closer to Arizona
BY JOHN FAY | JFAY@ENQUIRER.COM
The Reds are one step closer to moving their spring training operation from Sarasota, Fla., to Goodyear, Ariz.
Goodyear officials will meet in a closed session on Monday and consider an agreement that would allow them to negotiate exclusively with the Reds over a 90-day period and bring the team West for spring training.
“Subject to council approving this, we will enter into the agreement,” Reds consultant John Allen said Friday evening.
The 90-day exclusivity period would begin within days.
Allen, the team’s former chief operating officer, is leading the search for a new spring training facility.
“There are three parts of the deal that have to be worked out,” he said. “We have to work out a lease, get the financing in place and make plans for the facility.”
The Reds currently spend spring training in Sarasota, Fla., but the complex there needs repairs.
On Tuesday, Sarasota city and county officials considered a $41.3 million plan that would refurbish Ed Smith Stadium.
Sarasota city commissioners agreed to contribute $6.8 million toward the plan, and the Reds would contribute $9 million. But the county is being asked to contribute $17.6 million, and on Wednesday commissioners decided to table the discussion for two weeks.
By then, it may be too late. If, as expected, the Reds enter into negotiations with Goodyear officials, they cannot talk to any other cities, and Goodyear can’t contact any other teams.
That’s crucial to the Reds, who are worried other clubs in Arizona and Florida want to relocate to Goodyear.
Goodyear is 20 miles west of Phoenix, and will be the spring training home for the Cleveland Indians starting in 2009. City officials want a second team to share the complex, which includes a new 8,500-seat stadium.
If the Reds relocate to Goodyear, they will have separate practice fields, clubhouses and offices.
A second team will not move into Goodyear until 2010, at the earliest. The Reds can renew their lease for Ed Smith Stadium one year at a time through 2011.
On a side note, isn't this Griffey's last year with the Reds. I know there's an option year, but in all practical purposes this should be it for Jr. (If the Reds even think about re-signing Jr., i.e Larkin's 3-yr deal, you got to question their sanity.)
$9m saved from Sarasota, another $9m from Jr. equals a couple starters.
Reds move closer to Arizona
BY JOHN FAY | JFAY@ENQUIRER.COM
The Reds are one step closer to moving their spring training operation from Sarasota, Fla., to Goodyear, Ariz.
Goodyear officials will meet in a closed session on Monday and consider an agreement that would allow them to negotiate exclusively with the Reds over a 90-day period and bring the team West for spring training.
“Subject to council approving this, we will enter into the agreement,” Reds consultant John Allen said Friday evening.
The 90-day exclusivity period would begin within days.
Allen, the team’s former chief operating officer, is leading the search for a new spring training facility.
“There are three parts of the deal that have to be worked out,” he said. “We have to work out a lease, get the financing in place and make plans for the facility.”
The Reds currently spend spring training in Sarasota, Fla., but the complex there needs repairs.
On Tuesday, Sarasota city and county officials considered a $41.3 million plan that would refurbish Ed Smith Stadium.
Sarasota city commissioners agreed to contribute $6.8 million toward the plan, and the Reds would contribute $9 million. But the county is being asked to contribute $17.6 million, and on Wednesday commissioners decided to table the discussion for two weeks.
By then, it may be too late. If, as expected, the Reds enter into negotiations with Goodyear officials, they cannot talk to any other cities, and Goodyear can’t contact any other teams.
That’s crucial to the Reds, who are worried other clubs in Arizona and Florida want to relocate to Goodyear.
Goodyear is 20 miles west of Phoenix, and will be the spring training home for the Cleveland Indians starting in 2009. City officials want a second team to share the complex, which includes a new 8,500-seat stadium.
If the Reds relocate to Goodyear, they will have separate practice fields, clubhouses and offices.
A second team will not move into Goodyear until 2010, at the earliest. The Reds can renew their lease for Ed Smith Stadium one year at a time through 2011.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sarasota County delays vote on Reds deal
Another step closer. Nice to see another city and county government as inept as mine. -SDM
By DOUG SWORD, doug.sword@heraldtribune.com
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
Well, they didn’t kill it.
Sarasota County commissioners put off an up-or-down vote that would make them the biggest contributor to a $41 million overhaul of Ed Smith Stadium, because it almost certainly would have failed. Delaying the vote keeps several possibilities open for eventually funding the stadium.
While city officials had hoped for an outright vote the county’s action leaves open “a window of opportunity” to work a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, said City Manager Robert Bartolotta.
County commissioners punted the issue until two weeks from now when they will decide whether to remove their own rule that requires four out of five of them agree on how to spend the $18 million sought for the stadium deal.
That may be enough to kill the deal, since city officials say the Reds are negotiating with Goodyear, Ariz., and Orlando on possible stadium deals.
“I don’t know if the Reds are going to wait a couple of weeks,” said Mayor Lou Ann Palmer.
Of the five county commissioners, only two – Shannon Staub and Joseph Barbetta - are whole-heartedly for the stadium deal. Two – Jon Thaxton and Nora Patterson – say they can’t justify spending money on the stadium that could be used to shore up the county’s budget, which is facing a shortfall of perhaps $30 million.
Incidentally, the county announced 11 layoffs and the elimination of another four positions today. Commissioner Paul Mercier is undecided on his support of the new stadium deal.
It’s uncertain whether there are four votes to eliminate the supermajority
requirement on the stadium deal, since both Barbetta and Mercier said they probably wouldn’t vote for it.
The commissioners did vote for a counter offer. Instead of putting up $17.6 million, the county would match the state’s contribution of $7 million for the stadium. That would require the Reds to accept a deal of about $30 million.
If all else fails, commissioners voted to put it to the voters in April or May whether the county should fund the deal.
However, the supermajority requirement can be waived by a supermajority vote. Thaxton says he may end up voting against the stadium deal, but that he is willing to join the three supporters in casting aside the supermajority requirement.
Even though Barbetta has been the staunchest county supporter of a new stadium, which he calls an "economic engine" for Sarasota, he won’t support removing the supermajority requirement.
"The stadium needs to stand on its own and I don't want to manipulate a system" so that only three commissioners can approve spending the money, he said.
Barbetta said he received numerous e-mails and phone calls from citizens irate over the issue being back even though voters did not support a measure to use property tax dollars to pay for a new stadium. That ballot question failed by only 225 votes on Nov. 6.
Count Noelle Paredes among the irate. Paredes lives near the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and Bee Ridge Road Extension where she said neighbors opposed a new Publix supermarket five times before the county finally approved a scaled-back version of the store. She sees the same thing happening with the stadium project.
"People with money just get that vote out there over and over again until they pass what they want," Paredes said.
Voters turned down a proposal to use property taxes to pay off $16 million in bonds for a new stadium, and those funds won’t be needed to fund this less expensive proposal, Bartolotta noted.
"The voters said, No, to a $54 million project, this is $41 million," he said. "The voters said, No, to a property tax increase to service debt, this doesn't have that. I think this is a different proposal."
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080122/BREAKING/804343122
By DOUG SWORD, doug.sword@heraldtribune.com
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.
Well, they didn’t kill it.
Sarasota County commissioners put off an up-or-down vote that would make them the biggest contributor to a $41 million overhaul of Ed Smith Stadium, because it almost certainly would have failed. Delaying the vote keeps several possibilities open for eventually funding the stadium.
While city officials had hoped for an outright vote the county’s action leaves open “a window of opportunity” to work a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, said City Manager Robert Bartolotta.
County commissioners punted the issue until two weeks from now when they will decide whether to remove their own rule that requires four out of five of them agree on how to spend the $18 million sought for the stadium deal.
That may be enough to kill the deal, since city officials say the Reds are negotiating with Goodyear, Ariz., and Orlando on possible stadium deals.
“I don’t know if the Reds are going to wait a couple of weeks,” said Mayor Lou Ann Palmer.
Of the five county commissioners, only two – Shannon Staub and Joseph Barbetta - are whole-heartedly for the stadium deal. Two – Jon Thaxton and Nora Patterson – say they can’t justify spending money on the stadium that could be used to shore up the county’s budget, which is facing a shortfall of perhaps $30 million.
Incidentally, the county announced 11 layoffs and the elimination of another four positions today. Commissioner Paul Mercier is undecided on his support of the new stadium deal.
It’s uncertain whether there are four votes to eliminate the supermajority
requirement on the stadium deal, since both Barbetta and Mercier said they probably wouldn’t vote for it.
The commissioners did vote for a counter offer. Instead of putting up $17.6 million, the county would match the state’s contribution of $7 million for the stadium. That would require the Reds to accept a deal of about $30 million.
If all else fails, commissioners voted to put it to the voters in April or May whether the county should fund the deal.
However, the supermajority requirement can be waived by a supermajority vote. Thaxton says he may end up voting against the stadium deal, but that he is willing to join the three supporters in casting aside the supermajority requirement.
Even though Barbetta has been the staunchest county supporter of a new stadium, which he calls an "economic engine" for Sarasota, he won’t support removing the supermajority requirement.
"The stadium needs to stand on its own and I don't want to manipulate a system" so that only three commissioners can approve spending the money, he said.
Barbetta said he received numerous e-mails and phone calls from citizens irate over the issue being back even though voters did not support a measure to use property tax dollars to pay for a new stadium. That ballot question failed by only 225 votes on Nov. 6.
Count Noelle Paredes among the irate. Paredes lives near the intersection of Bee Ridge Road and Bee Ridge Road Extension where she said neighbors opposed a new Publix supermarket five times before the county finally approved a scaled-back version of the store. She sees the same thing happening with the stadium project.
"People with money just get that vote out there over and over again until they pass what they want," Paredes said.
Voters turned down a proposal to use property taxes to pay off $16 million in bonds for a new stadium, and those funds won’t be needed to fund this less expensive proposal, Bartolotta noted.
"The voters said, No, to a $54 million project, this is $41 million," he said. "The voters said, No, to a property tax increase to service debt, this doesn't have that. I think this is a different proposal."
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080122/BREAKING/804343122
Sunday, January 20, 2008
County covets Reds stadium tax dollars
Not looking good for the Reds in Sarasota. That's just terrible . . .NOT! -SDM
By DOUG SWORD
doug.sword@heraldtribune.com
SARASOTA -- Millions of dollars once earmarked for a new Ed Smith Stadium could also be used to help balance the county's budget.
And so as city officials peddle a proposal to keep the Cincinnati Reds here for spring training, some Sarasota County officials are reluctant to pitch in $18 million in bed tax money to help pay for it.
That same money could go toward cleaning and maintaining beaches, freeing up money in the general fund for deputy sheriff's salaries or public works engineers.
In 2006, when commissioners unanimously voted to raise the bed tax and contribute $18 million to the Reds project, it seemed like everybody was in favor of building a new ballpark. But there was an April 2007 deadline to reach a stadium deal, and it did not happen in time.
By midsummer, as local officials were rewriting their budgets following a state-mandated cut in property taxes,, county commissioners barely resisted the urge to grab the bed tax dollars to help fill a $30 million shortfall in their budget.
What county officials suspect is that they will need the money if voters approve a Jan. 29 ballot question that would cut their property tax bills.
The county eliminated about 120 jobs last year to balance its budget and will be looking at more budget cuts over the next two months. That only increases the pressure to use the money once set aside for a new stadium.
"Like I've said, this couldn't happen at a worse time," Commissioner Jon Thaxton said of the newest proposal to rebuild Ed Smith Stadium.
The bed tax for the stadium has been collected since May 1, 2007. By the end of the tourism season the fund will stand at about $1.25 million.
That is enough, over 20 years, to support $18 million in construction bonds for a stadium. Overall, the new ballpark would cost $41 million, so the bed tax is the biggest part of the financial package. The Reds, the state and city are splitting the remaining $23 million cost.
Stadium supporters point out that state law restricts the use of bed tax money to specific purposes: tourism advertising, beach renourishment, stadiums, conference centers and beach maintenance.
But county officials say they are spending about $800,000 from the county general fund on beach cleaning. That is the same general fund that pays for salaries.
That means, says County Administrator Jim Ley, that $800,000 of the $1.25 million originally set aside for the Reds stadium could go toward beach maintenance. That would allow the county to use the $800,000 in general fund money now spent on beaches for other purposes.
If the Reds deal falters, the other $450,000 a year would go toward a beach renourishment fund. That fund gets $1.75 million a year in bed tax money and helped fund the recent renourishment on Siesta Key.
Thaxton has said he would have a hard time funding the stadium with the $800,000 that could be switched to other parts of the county budget. Commissioner Nora Patterson says she cannot support spending that on the stadium because of the budget situation.
Two commissioners, Shannon Staub and Joe Barbetta, say spring training is a crucial part of the local economy and if there is still a chance to deal with the Reds, it should be explored. The downturn is one of the reasons to reconsider a stadium deal, Staub said.
"It's a terrible time to be losing that economic impact" from spring training, she said.
Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday on whether negotiations between the county, city and Reds should continue.
Last modified: January 20. 2008 1:50AM
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080120/NEWS/801200341
By DOUG SWORD
doug.sword@heraldtribune.com
SARASOTA -- Millions of dollars once earmarked for a new Ed Smith Stadium could also be used to help balance the county's budget.
And so as city officials peddle a proposal to keep the Cincinnati Reds here for spring training, some Sarasota County officials are reluctant to pitch in $18 million in bed tax money to help pay for it.
That same money could go toward cleaning and maintaining beaches, freeing up money in the general fund for deputy sheriff's salaries or public works engineers.
In 2006, when commissioners unanimously voted to raise the bed tax and contribute $18 million to the Reds project, it seemed like everybody was in favor of building a new ballpark. But there was an April 2007 deadline to reach a stadium deal, and it did not happen in time.
By midsummer, as local officials were rewriting their budgets following a state-mandated cut in property taxes,, county commissioners barely resisted the urge to grab the bed tax dollars to help fill a $30 million shortfall in their budget.
What county officials suspect is that they will need the money if voters approve a Jan. 29 ballot question that would cut their property tax bills.
The county eliminated about 120 jobs last year to balance its budget and will be looking at more budget cuts over the next two months. That only increases the pressure to use the money once set aside for a new stadium.
"Like I've said, this couldn't happen at a worse time," Commissioner Jon Thaxton said of the newest proposal to rebuild Ed Smith Stadium.
The bed tax for the stadium has been collected since May 1, 2007. By the end of the tourism season the fund will stand at about $1.25 million.
That is enough, over 20 years, to support $18 million in construction bonds for a stadium. Overall, the new ballpark would cost $41 million, so the bed tax is the biggest part of the financial package. The Reds, the state and city are splitting the remaining $23 million cost.
Stadium supporters point out that state law restricts the use of bed tax money to specific purposes: tourism advertising, beach renourishment, stadiums, conference centers and beach maintenance.
But county officials say they are spending about $800,000 from the county general fund on beach cleaning. That is the same general fund that pays for salaries.
That means, says County Administrator Jim Ley, that $800,000 of the $1.25 million originally set aside for the Reds stadium could go toward beach maintenance. That would allow the county to use the $800,000 in general fund money now spent on beaches for other purposes.
If the Reds deal falters, the other $450,000 a year would go toward a beach renourishment fund. That fund gets $1.75 million a year in bed tax money and helped fund the recent renourishment on Siesta Key.
Thaxton has said he would have a hard time funding the stadium with the $800,000 that could be switched to other parts of the county budget. Commissioner Nora Patterson says she cannot support spending that on the stadium because of the budget situation.
Two commissioners, Shannon Staub and Joe Barbetta, say spring training is a crucial part of the local economy and if there is still a chance to deal with the Reds, it should be explored. The downturn is one of the reasons to reconsider a stadium deal, Staub said.
"It's a terrible time to be losing that economic impact" from spring training, she said.
Commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday on whether negotiations between the county, city and Reds should continue.
Last modified: January 20. 2008 1:50AM
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080120/NEWS/801200341
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Reds: The other Ohio team
Jessica Coomes, The Arizona Republic
Jan. 18, 2008 10:29 AM
In other baseball news, Cincinnati Reds officials were in the city this week for a tour of Goodyear with Mayor Jim Cavanaugh and Interim City Manager Brian Dalke.
Five Reds representatives were in town Wednesday, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini and former Chief Operating Officer John Allen, the city confirmed.
The Reds are considering moving the club's spring training base from Sarasota, Fla. And Goodyear has been trying to attract a second team to share its soon-to-be-built ballpark with the Indians.
Land near the ballpark will be reserved for a second player development complex until February 2009, Dalke said.
"They were very impressed with our community, very impressed with our proactive approach in getting a second team," Dalke said of the Reds visit.
He declined to say whether Goodyear was meeting with other teams.
"We like all teams," he said Thursday.
Indians officials said they have always expected to share the ballpark with another team.
"We are enthusiastically prepared to assist in whatever way we can," Folk said.
DiBiasio had no information about the Reds visit but said, "I'm sure he (Allen) liked what he saw. We did."
As for the Reds, DiBiasio called the other Ohio team "our friends from the south" and said the Indians have a "wonderful working relationship with them."
The Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority has said its funding for ballparks is exhausted, and Goodyear would not get assistance to accommodate a second team.
"That doesn't stop us from asking again," Dalke said this week, saying revenue could be greater than what was forecast, or new revenue options could be created.
Goodyear will wait for the Reds to make the next move, Dalke said.
"The ball's in their court," he said. "The baseball's in their field. That's a better vernacular."
Jan. 18, 2008 10:29 AM
In other baseball news, Cincinnati Reds officials were in the city this week for a tour of Goodyear with Mayor Jim Cavanaugh and Interim City Manager Brian Dalke.
Five Reds representatives were in town Wednesday, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini and former Chief Operating Officer John Allen, the city confirmed.
The Reds are considering moving the club's spring training base from Sarasota, Fla. And Goodyear has been trying to attract a second team to share its soon-to-be-built ballpark with the Indians.
Land near the ballpark will be reserved for a second player development complex until February 2009, Dalke said.
"They were very impressed with our community, very impressed with our proactive approach in getting a second team," Dalke said of the Reds visit.
He declined to say whether Goodyear was meeting with other teams.
"We like all teams," he said Thursday.
Indians officials said they have always expected to share the ballpark with another team.
"We are enthusiastically prepared to assist in whatever way we can," Folk said.
DiBiasio had no information about the Reds visit but said, "I'm sure he (Allen) liked what he saw. We did."
As for the Reds, DiBiasio called the other Ohio team "our friends from the south" and said the Indians have a "wonderful working relationship with them."
The Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority has said its funding for ballparks is exhausted, and Goodyear would not get assistance to accommodate a second team.
"That doesn't stop us from asking again," Dalke said this week, saying revenue could be greater than what was forecast, or new revenue options could be created.
Goodyear will wait for the Reds to make the next move, Dalke said.
"The ball's in their court," he said. "The baseball's in their field. That's a better vernacular."
Friday, January 18, 2008
Reds move could be happening!
The tide could be turning. Yes! I will bet they just found out they wouldn't have to drop $9m to move to Goodyear like in that other town. Don't worry, I'll take plenty of pics, it be like your there your self. -SDM
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Allen on Goodyear
Just talked to John Allen about the Goodyear field trip.
It sounds likes the Reds were impressed. Bob Castellini was there for part of the tour.
“It was great,” Allen said. “It was very informative. They have a good plan.”
The group also went to Surprise, where the Rangers and Royals share a facility, to check out how the two-team thing works.
“Basically, you have a game at stadium everyday. The Royals and Rangers play each other four times, so you don’t have to worry about overexposure.”
In Goodyear, the Reds would share the stadium with Indians, but everything else is separate.
Allen said they didn't talk economic specifics. He said the economics of the Goodyear deal would be different than the new Sarasota plan. And you take "different" as more favorable to the Reds.
The earliest a second team would be able to use the Goodyear facility is 2010. The Indians go there starting 2009.
My early line: There's a decent chance the Reds make the move west. If the Sarasota city and county commissions don't vote to move on with the new plan to rebuild Ed Smith Tuesday, the chances of going west skyrocket. (I can only hope that the city and county are a lot like Cincys -ml)
posted by John Fay at 8:48 PM 2 comments
http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/redsinsider/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Allen on Goodyear
Just talked to John Allen about the Goodyear field trip.
It sounds likes the Reds were impressed. Bob Castellini was there for part of the tour.
“It was great,” Allen said. “It was very informative. They have a good plan.”
The group also went to Surprise, where the Rangers and Royals share a facility, to check out how the two-team thing works.
“Basically, you have a game at stadium everyday. The Royals and Rangers play each other four times, so you don’t have to worry about overexposure.”
In Goodyear, the Reds would share the stadium with Indians, but everything else is separate.
Allen said they didn't talk economic specifics. He said the economics of the Goodyear deal would be different than the new Sarasota plan. And you take "different" as more favorable to the Reds.
The earliest a second team would be able to use the Goodyear facility is 2010. The Indians go there starting 2009.
My early line: There's a decent chance the Reds make the move west. If the Sarasota city and county commissions don't vote to move on with the new plan to rebuild Ed Smith Tuesday, the chances of going west skyrocket. (I can only hope that the city and county are a lot like Cincys -ml)
posted by John Fay at 8:48 PM 2 comments
http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/redsinsider/
More on a Possible Reds move
Arizona looking to woo Reds to new spring-training home
Carrie Watters, Jessica Coomes and Tony Lombardo
The Arizona Republic, Nov. 13, 2007 12:00 AM
Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' training stadium, which leaves the team looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering if it could snare another Florida team.
Eyes are on Tucson, where the Chicago White Sox need to find a replacement team to get out of their lease and move to the Valley. The Sox plan to team up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a spring-training ballpark that Glendale hopes to open in 2009.
"We would love to have the Reds in the Cactus League. The logical place, considering the dynamics, would be Tucson Electric Park," said Brad Wright, an Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority board member who heads the Cactus League committee. "The first priority is a commitment to Tucson and the White Sox to make sure they can meet their obligation there."
The sports authority, which operates only in Maricopa County, has no authority in Tucson but is offering its political clout.
Gov. Janet Napolitano's office, which supported nabbing the long-coveted Dodgers from Florida, also says Tucson is a critical piece of the state's spring-training league.
But Jeff Schatzki, director of the governor's Arizona Baseball and Softball Commission, said it's not his position to tell other municipalities to back off of pursuing a piece of Cactus League action, which pumped a reported $311 million into the economy last season.
Nor would Schatzki tell a franchise where to locate. "It's a business decision," he said.
The Sox had no comment as of late last week, and the Reds are keeping mum on whether they'll stay in Florida.
"We are considering all of our options, including Arizona," Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said.
White Sox representative John Kaites has asked publicly that other Arizona cities not actively seek teams until a replacement is found in Tucson.
But Tucson is not the only city that could handle another team:
• Goodyear has made it no secret it eventually wants a second team to join the Cleveland Indians, who will move there from Florida in 2009.
• Casa Grande had been looking for a team to jump-start spring baseball there.
• Surprise has space to accommodate a third team with the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, but the city is not actively seeking one.
In its 4,431-4,206 vote Nov. 6, Sarasota voters decided not to spend $16 million to help rebuild the Reds' spring-training home, Ed Smith Stadium. That is forcing the Reds to start scouting for a new home for as early as 2009.
Tucson's position
Tucson has faced criticism that it is too far to travel from the Valley, where nine of Arizona's 12 teams currently train.
The closeness of the Cactus League's ballparks has been touted as an advantage over the Grapefruit League, where teams must crisscross Florida.
Schatzki and officials in Pima County brushed off the idea that Tucson is too isolated. Indeed, it's where the Cactus League got its start in 1946, with the Indians in Tucson and the New York Giants in Phoenix.
"Spring training has its roots in Tucson," Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry said.
But the Old Pueblo is in a precarious spot.
It has two parks. The Colorado Rockies play at Hi Corbett, which the city operates. The Arizona Diamondbacks and White Sox share Tucson Electric Park, which Pima County operates.
If the Sox can't find a replacement and head north when their lease expires in 2012, the Rockies could opt to pull out, too.
Tucson officials say that the Diamondbacks and Rockies are committed to the area and that they are committed to getting a third team.
"It's more interesting now that the Sarasota vote has taken place," he said.
Other options
Casa Grande had about given up hope of landing a Major League team after Goodyear secured the Indians and Glendale landed the White Sox and Dodgers in 2006.
"I'm not sure we have that same level of enthusiasm," Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson said.
Still, Bill Brudwill, who has spearheaded Casa Grande's efforts, went from dejected to enthusiastic after hearing about the Sarasota election.
"We could fire this thing back up in a heartbeat," he said.
Goodyear has talked preliminarily with the Reds, among many baseball teams, Mayor Jim Cavanaugh said.
The mayor said he likes the idea of having another Ohio team in Goodyear to join the Indians.
"Goodyear, I'm sure, would love to have the Reds," Cavanaugh said.
Wright said the funding formula, which currently stands at funding 50 percent of Goodyear's one-team facility and two-thirds of Glendale's two-team facility, was firm and would not change if Goodyear picked up a second team. The sports authority has said its funding for new ballparks is tapped for the next quarter-century.
Reds officials visited the Surprise ballpark nine months ago and asked if the city was interested in a third team, said Mark Coronado, the city's community and recreation services director.
While having the Reds is an "intriguing" option, Coronado said the cost would be a hurdle.
"Without a funding source, it's a major challenge, not just for Surprise but for any community," Coronado said, adding it would take as much as $20 million to accommodate a third team.
http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us/Archive.asp?ADID=1590
Carrie Watters, Jessica Coomes and Tony Lombardo
The Arizona Republic, Nov. 13, 2007 12:00 AM
Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' training stadium, which leaves the team looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering if it could snare another Florida team.
Eyes are on Tucson, where the Chicago White Sox need to find a replacement team to get out of their lease and move to the Valley. The Sox plan to team up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a spring-training ballpark that Glendale hopes to open in 2009.
"We would love to have the Reds in the Cactus League. The logical place, considering the dynamics, would be Tucson Electric Park," said Brad Wright, an Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority board member who heads the Cactus League committee. "The first priority is a commitment to Tucson and the White Sox to make sure they can meet their obligation there."
The sports authority, which operates only in Maricopa County, has no authority in Tucson but is offering its political clout.
Gov. Janet Napolitano's office, which supported nabbing the long-coveted Dodgers from Florida, also says Tucson is a critical piece of the state's spring-training league.
But Jeff Schatzki, director of the governor's Arizona Baseball and Softball Commission, said it's not his position to tell other municipalities to back off of pursuing a piece of Cactus League action, which pumped a reported $311 million into the economy last season.
Nor would Schatzki tell a franchise where to locate. "It's a business decision," he said.
The Sox had no comment as of late last week, and the Reds are keeping mum on whether they'll stay in Florida.
"We are considering all of our options, including Arizona," Reds spokesman Rob Butcher said.
White Sox representative John Kaites has asked publicly that other Arizona cities not actively seek teams until a replacement is found in Tucson.
But Tucson is not the only city that could handle another team:
• Goodyear has made it no secret it eventually wants a second team to join the Cleveland Indians, who will move there from Florida in 2009.
• Casa Grande had been looking for a team to jump-start spring baseball there.
• Surprise has space to accommodate a third team with the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, but the city is not actively seeking one.
In its 4,431-4,206 vote Nov. 6, Sarasota voters decided not to spend $16 million to help rebuild the Reds' spring-training home, Ed Smith Stadium. That is forcing the Reds to start scouting for a new home for as early as 2009.
Tucson's position
Tucson has faced criticism that it is too far to travel from the Valley, where nine of Arizona's 12 teams currently train.
The closeness of the Cactus League's ballparks has been touted as an advantage over the Grapefruit League, where teams must crisscross Florida.
Schatzki and officials in Pima County brushed off the idea that Tucson is too isolated. Indeed, it's where the Cactus League got its start in 1946, with the Indians in Tucson and the New York Giants in Phoenix.
"Spring training has its roots in Tucson," Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry said.
But the Old Pueblo is in a precarious spot.
It has two parks. The Colorado Rockies play at Hi Corbett, which the city operates. The Arizona Diamondbacks and White Sox share Tucson Electric Park, which Pima County operates.
If the Sox can't find a replacement and head north when their lease expires in 2012, the Rockies could opt to pull out, too.
Tucson officials say that the Diamondbacks and Rockies are committed to the area and that they are committed to getting a third team.
"It's more interesting now that the Sarasota vote has taken place," he said.
Other options
Casa Grande had about given up hope of landing a Major League team after Goodyear secured the Indians and Glendale landed the White Sox and Dodgers in 2006.
"I'm not sure we have that same level of enthusiasm," Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson said.
Still, Bill Brudwill, who has spearheaded Casa Grande's efforts, went from dejected to enthusiastic after hearing about the Sarasota election.
"We could fire this thing back up in a heartbeat," he said.
Goodyear has talked preliminarily with the Reds, among many baseball teams, Mayor Jim Cavanaugh said.
The mayor said he likes the idea of having another Ohio team in Goodyear to join the Indians.
"Goodyear, I'm sure, would love to have the Reds," Cavanaugh said.
Wright said the funding formula, which currently stands at funding 50 percent of Goodyear's one-team facility and two-thirds of Glendale's two-team facility, was firm and would not change if Goodyear picked up a second team. The sports authority has said its funding for new ballparks is tapped for the next quarter-century.
Reds officials visited the Surprise ballpark nine months ago and asked if the city was interested in a third team, said Mark Coronado, the city's community and recreation services director.
While having the Reds is an "intriguing" option, Coronado said the cost would be a hurdle.
"Without a funding source, it's a major challenge, not just for Surprise but for any community," Coronado said, adding it would take as much as $20 million to accommodate a third team.
http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us/Archive.asp?ADID=1590
Cincinnati Reds! Please move to Arizona for Spring Training
Come on Reds, be progressive! Reds in AZ is the future. I may have go out there more than twice a year.
Goodyear is kind of far from the perfecta that is Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix - all within a half hour of each other, but I'll take it.
Reds to scout Goodyear, Ariz.
Orlando only Fla. city making pitch to be spring home
BY JOHN FAY | JFAY@ENQUIRER.COM
Reds COO John Allen will be in Goodyear, Ariz., Wednesday to hear that city’s pitch to become the Reds’ new spring training home.
Goodyear is where the Cleveland Indians will begin training in 2009.
The city is pitching a plan for the Reds to share the complex with the Indians.
The Reds started looking for a new spring home in November after a referendum for the last piece of funding to rebuild the Ed Smith Stadium complex was voted down in Sarasota.
The response from other Florida cities trying to land the Reds has been underwhelming.
At this point, Orlando is only city making a pitch to land the Reds.
There’s possibility that Sarasota could make another bid to keep the Reds.
The Reds will train in Sarasota this year. They have an option to renew their lease on a one-year basis up until 2011.
Goodyear is building a $75 million complex for the Indians. It includes an 8,500-seat stadium. In addition to the fixed seats there will be 1,600 berm seats in the outfield and a 400-seat party area.
The ballpark is the centerpiece for a 242-acre Ballpark Village, that includes housing and retail shops.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080114/SPT04/301140119/
Goodyear is kind of far from the perfecta that is Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix - all within a half hour of each other, but I'll take it.
Reds to scout Goodyear, Ariz.
Orlando only Fla. city making pitch to be spring home
BY JOHN FAY | JFAY@ENQUIRER.COM
Reds COO John Allen will be in Goodyear, Ariz., Wednesday to hear that city’s pitch to become the Reds’ new spring training home.
Goodyear is where the Cleveland Indians will begin training in 2009.
The city is pitching a plan for the Reds to share the complex with the Indians.
The Reds started looking for a new spring home in November after a referendum for the last piece of funding to rebuild the Ed Smith Stadium complex was voted down in Sarasota.
The response from other Florida cities trying to land the Reds has been underwhelming.
At this point, Orlando is only city making a pitch to land the Reds.
There’s possibility that Sarasota could make another bid to keep the Reds.
The Reds will train in Sarasota this year. They have an option to renew their lease on a one-year basis up until 2011.
Goodyear is building a $75 million complex for the Indians. It includes an 8,500-seat stadium. In addition to the fixed seats there will be 1,600 berm seats in the outfield and a 400-seat party area.
The ballpark is the centerpiece for a 242-acre Ballpark Village, that includes housing and retail shops.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080114/SPT04/301140119/
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Cincinnati Bearcats' Big Win
My beloved UC Bearcats just beat big bad Syracuse. After a slow start, they put together a strong showing.
Maybe, slowly but surely, the Bearcats are on the rise.
Maybe, slowly but surely, the Bearcats are on the rise.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Justices Hear Arguments in Lethal Injection Case
I'm pro-Death penalty and the NYT has it covered. Justice Scalia has some excellent points.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday heard starkly different descriptions of Kentucky’s method of putting people to death, with a lawyer for a condemned prisoner asserting there is an unacceptable risk of agony and a lawyer for the state saying nothing could be further from the truth.
“The risk here is real,” Donald Verrilli, the lawyer for Ralph Baze, the death-row inmate, told the justices, noting that the three-drug protocol that Kentucky uses in executions is illegal for euthanizing animals.
Mr. Verrilli argued that there are too many things that can go wrong in Kentucky executions, largely because poorly trained people are carrying them out, creating too much risk that a prisoner will die in great pain even though he is unable to cry out.
But Roy Englert, arguing on behalf of the state, said there is very little risk of that happening. “Kentucky has excellent safeguards in place,” he said.
A technician with broad experience inserting needles in inmates’ arms in a medical setting — “This person places 30 needles a day in the prison population” — attaches the needles to the condemned person, then joins other participants in “the next room, watching carefully to see nothing goes wrong,” Mr. Englert said.
The issue in the case of Baze v. Rees is not the constitutionality of lethal injection as such, but a more procedural question: How should judges evaluate claims that the particular combination of drugs used to bring about death causes suffering that amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution?
Several members of the court appeared to be troubled by the questions raised in the case, as they heard Mr. Verrilli suggest that Kentucky should use a single, overwhelming dose of a barbiturate to put prisoners to death, and Mr. Englert counter-argue that a single-drug procedure has never been tried, and that Kentucky’s three-drug procedure is effective and humane.
Mr. Baze, one of two Kentucky death-row inmates challenging the state’s procedure, was condemned for killing a sheriff and deputy sheriff who were trying to serve him a warrant. Executions have been halted in the United States since last September as officials in states that have capital punishment have awaited a decision in Base v. Rees (John D. Rees is the Kentucky corrections commissioner).
Consequently, the case is among the most closely watched in the high court’s current term. The Bush administration has sided with the state of Kentucky.
Mr. Verrilli cited several botched executions in recent years as evidence that the usual three-drug protocol is anything but foolproof. Sodium pentothal is supposed to render the condemned unconscious; pancuronium bromide is supposed to paralyze him, and potassium chloride is supposed to stop his heart.
Why not just use a huge dose of barbiturates, Mr. Verrilli said. That way, if something goes wrong, the prisoner will feel no pain, since he will simply be asleep and can be sent to a peaceful death with more barbiturates.
But Mr. Englert said “it takes a very long time to death with a single-drug protocol,” and that the “botched executions” mentioned by Mr. Verrilli were ones in which the veins of the condemned could not be found, or the inmate’s body went into contortions — not executions in which the inmate felt pain.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Anthony M. Kennedy asked Mr. Verrilli to assume for a moment that the three drugs are handled correctly in every instance. “Would you have a case here?” Justice Kennedy asked.
But Mr. Verrilli was reluctant to engage in conjecture. “There can be no guarantee they will be properly administered,” he said.
Several justices seemed to be grappling for some kind of factual standard to evaluate the questions before them, and complaining about the absence thereof. But several members of the court also voiced concern that, if the questions in Baze v. Rees are not answered, other inmates will raise challenges.
“We’ll be right back here in a year or 18 months,” Justice John Paul Stevens said.
Justice Antonin Scalia noted that execution methods that have fallen out of use — the electric chair, the firing squad, the hangman’s noose — have been abandoned in part because of fears that they were not pain-free.
But where is it written that the state must choose “the least painful method,” Justice Scalia demanded. “Is that somewhere in the Constitution?”
The three-drug execution method has been used for three decades. As for why it has not been abandoned in favor of an overwhelming dose of phenobarbital, an anesthetic used to put down animals, two explanations were offered by death penalty-watchers in advance of Monday’s arguments: Each state is reluctant to try something new, and no state wants to embrace a method used to euthanize animals, despite the possibility that potassium chloride will inflict excruciating pain as it courses through an inmate’s veins if he has not been rendered unconscious by sodium pentothal.
And an exchange between Mr. Englert and Justice Stevens suggested that a paralyzing agent is used in the execution of humans not just for the sake of the condemned but to spare witnesses the sight of involuntary thrashing, a sight that might detract from the “dignity” of the procedure.
“It takes a very long time to die with a single-drug protocol,” Mr. Englert said
At one point, an exasperated Justice Scalia said, “This is an execution — not surgery.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/07/washington/07cnd-scotus.html?hpFriday, January 4, 2008
What's so great about the Batman movies?
I don't get it, what's so interesting about these movies? The appeal of the Batman series should of run it's course.
Another Batman movie! why?
Another Batman movie! why?
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