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Padres make it official: Beavers to Tucson in 2011

Portland BeaversIt’s the worst-kept secret in Minor League Baseball, one we reported a few weeks ago: the San Diego Padres will place the Portland Beavers in Tucson Electric Park for 2011 and possibly beyond, according to a press release issued by the club.

An ownership group, led by the Padres’ Jeff Moorad, are in the process of buying the Bevos for a reported $18 million. Moorad and crew have been negotiating for a new ballpark in Escondido, Cal., but given the uncertain nature of ballpark negotiations there, the decision was made to park the Beavers in Tucson for 2011 “for at least one year,” according to the press conference heralding the move.

“My ownership group is looking forward to the San Diego Padres’ Triple-A affiliate playing in Tucson for the 2011 season,” Moorad said. “We thank the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority and the Tucson region for hosting the team as we continue the process of determining the best long-term home for our Triple-A club.” The Padres are looking both at Hi Corbett Field and Tucson Electric Park.

Mike Feder, current Executive Director of the PCSTA and former general manager of the Toros and Sidewinders from 1989-2000, will operate the team. He has completed a management agreement with the Padres which will include Tucson investors. The local investors will be announced in the near future, as well as the name of the team. Jack Donovan will be joining Feder in the front office.

RELATED STORIES: Election shows mixed support for new Escondido ballpark; Tuesday elections could determine fate of Bevos; Bevos to Tucson for 2011; Escondido ballpark vote delayed after pollution found at site; Fate of Bevos in the air until November, maybe December; Padres pitch one-sided lease to Escondido; Escondido: Show us some money, Padres; Escondido in, San Marcos out of Bevos ballpark mix; Portland Beavers to…Lake Elsinore?; Could bidding war erupt for Bevos?; Portland Bevos update: Tucson-bound?; Come 2011, where will Beavers play?; Paulson finalizes deal for PGE Park soccer conversion; whither the Bevos?; Paulson withdraws bid for Bevos ballpark in Beaverton; Decision on Bevos ballpark could go to Beaverton voters; Beaverton, Bevos reach agreement on new ballpark sans site; Land woes could kill Bevos ballpark in Beaverton; Picketers greet pro-Beavers rally in Beaverton; Landowners not thrilled with Beaverton Bevos ballpark plan; Bevos eye Beaverton for new ballpark site; Paulson withdraws request for Bevos ballpark in Lents; Portland to move ahead with soccer renovation, put off plans for Bevos ballpark; Thursday vote could determine Bevos ballpark fate; New Beavers ballpark lacks support on City Council; Bevos, city close to final funding proposal for new ballpark; Rose Quarter location officially off the table for new Bevos ballparkBevos ballpark plans back up in the air — and maybe doomed; Portland ballpark vote delayed as mayor adjusts site, financial plans; New Beavers ballpark wouldn’t happen until 2012 — at the earliest; Cost of Portland redevelopment mushrooms to almost $300 million; Crunching the numbers on a new Bevos ballpark; Portland proposes tearing down Memorial Coliseum for new Bevos ballpark; Portland City Council votes to move ahead with new Bevos ballpark — but takes $15 million from the equation; Paulson agrees to Portland’s financial demands; still may not be enough; Bevos ballpark plan runs into serious financial obstacles; Portland task force gives preliminary approval to new Bevos ballpark — with plenty of conditions; Portland ballpark discussion shifts to Rose Quarter; Decision on new Bevos ballpark location delayed; Will new ballpark fly in Lents?

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