It matters less than what some Ottawans assume, but there’s been a month delay in deciding whether a Class AA Eastern League team will be playing at Ottawa Stadium in 2013 and beyond.
The original plan was to decide this month on a bid for a Class AA Eastern League team to begin play at Ottawa Stadium in 2013. Instead, the decision was pushed off a month, with a city committee planning to discuss the matter in February.
Realistically, of course, the delay of a month is meaningless. There’s still time for teams to notify MiLB about plans to move for the 2013 season, so the delay of a month has no practical effect on the outcome.
Now, there’s been some really bad reporting on this issue, beginning with the fact that the local newspaper is reporting on the involvement of the Toronto Blue Jays on the proceedings — specifically, that the city is looking to have the Blue Jays sign a new affiliation deal with a team as part of any lease. Technically, this can’t happen until the team’s current affiliation deal with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) ends. Teams cannot arbitrarily shift affiliations in the midst of a current PDC. So Ottawa citizens waiting for an announcement of a shift of a Toronto affiliation may be waiting awhile, though it certainly makes sense and will probably happen.
RELATED STORIES: Ottawa baseball bid losing steam?; No, Canada; Group seeks Ottawa Stadium lease for 2013 and beyond; Ottawa out of running for SWB Yankees — but in line for affiliated ball; NY Yankees making moves with minor-league teams; Fat Cats owners may seek affiliated team for Ottawa; Valcke: Baseball can work in Ottawa; Ottawa: Ballpark should be converted to concert venue; Affiliated ball may be returning to Ottawa
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