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Archives: Aug. 6-12, 2006

Archives: Aug. 6-12, 2006

Isotopes, Marlins, extend affiliation
Posted Aug. 12, 2006
The Albuquerque Isotopes and Florida Marlins have renewed their Player Development Contract (PDC), extending their affiliation through the 2008 season. The announcement was made jointly at a press conference at Isotopes Park by Isotopes President Ken Young and Marlins Director, Player Development Brian Chattin.
    "The Marlins have shown a commitment to developing young talent in the Minor League system," Young said. "Their track record of developing young players to become solid every-day Major Leaguers speaks for itself. Important for us and our fans, they also understand that winning is a big part of development and have provided us with competitive teams from the start, as well as players and coaches that are quality people with a willingness to participate in the community."
    "The Florida Marlins are very pleased to be extending our affiliation with the Albuquerque Isotopes," said Jim Fleming, Florida Marlins Vice President, Player Development and Scouting, Assistant General Manager. "The past four years in Albuquerque have been tremendous, and it is exciting to know it will continue to be our Triple-A home for the next two seasons. The Albuquerque Baseball Club is truly one of the finest organizations in Minor League Baseball, and we are proud to continue this partnership."
    The Marlins are the only Major League affiliate the Isotopes have had since their inaugural 2003 season. Going into Friday’s game, the Isotopes are 276-273 all-time as the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate.

 

Analyst tells Mills to drop Xanadu, new ballpark
Posted Aug. 12, 2006
Shares of Mills Corp. tumbled 30 percent Friday as a top analyst suggested the company should stop work on the Meadowlands Xanadu entertainment and retail complex, which includes a new ballpark for the Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League). The total cost of the project has risen to an estimated $2 billion from $1.2 billion, and Mills and the Cliff Hawks ownership are in a battle over the funding and lease for the ballpark.

Tigers to get new logo, maybe name
Posted Aug. 12, 2006
The Lakeland Tigers (High Class A; Florida State League), traditionally near the bottom of attendance and merchandise sales for Minor League Baseball, will have a new logo for the 2007 season. They may also have a new name — that might not include the word "Tigers." Ron Myers, the director of Florida operations for the Detroit Tigers, has wavered in the past year about whether to keep the Tigers moniker. He wants to do what’s best for business, but has been reluctant to mess with tradition. The Tigers have contracted with Plan B Branding to do what the partners call "rebranding," which focuses on a new name, logo, marketing strategy, advertising, and maybe food and drinks.

Sarasota looking at new facility for Reds
Posted Aug. 12, 2006
Clearwater’s Bright House Networks Field could offer a vision of what a proposed spring training home for the Cincinnati Reds might look like. Fifty-five Sarasota residents will be traveling to the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies and the regular-season home of the Clearwater Threshers (High Class A; Florida State League) next week as debate continues on a $54 million replacement spring-training complex for the Reds. The Sarasota Sports Committee arranged the bus trip for Aug. 18 in an effort to better inform the public about the proposed project. The group will be taking a look at the winter home of the Philadelphia Phillies. Residents will get a tour of the ballpark and a free pass to the Clearwater Threshers’ game against the Sarasota Reds.

Ballpark Notes
Posted Aug. 12, 2006
The Lancaster JetHawks (High Class A; California League) announced that Jeff Stewart has been named the club’s new assistant general manager. Stewart takes over for Joe Reinsch, who has accepted a position with Azusa Pacific University as its Assistant Sports Information Director.
    "We’re going to miss Joe," said JetHawks General Manager Brad Seymour. "He gave a lot to the JetHawks and worked hard to ensure that we were giving our fans a great product night in and night out. But we’re very fortunate to be able to replace him with someone as qualified as Jeff Stewart. Jeff has an extensive background in minor league baseball and we look forward to his fresh approach in making JetHawks baseball even better for our fans in the coming seasons."
    The Moraga, CA native has spent several years in minor league baseball, including serving as the general manager for the El Paso Diablos (independent; American Association) . Before his promotion to general manager, Stewart also worked as an assistant general manager for the Shreveport Sports (independent; American Association) and the Burlington Indians (rookie; Appalachian League). Stewart has recently moved to Lancaster with his wife Elizabeth.

Springdale aldermen to hear United League pitch for ballpark
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Some aldermen in Springdale, Ark., want to hear a pitch from the independent United League management regarding a new ballpark in that city. John Bryant contacted city officials and offered to build a privately financed ballpark if the city would hand over land worth $3 million. It would cost the city less in sales taxes to go the indy route, and they should talk to Bryant. But they have a chance to improve the community with a new state-of-the-art ballpark, and what Bryant is offering is not close in terms of amenities or, quite honestly, the level of baseball you find in the Texas League. Speaking of Springdale: we’re all waiting for an announcement from the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) about the move, but things are still on hold as the city is unexpectedly fighting to keep the team to hewing to the terms of the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium lease and not substituting an independent Northern League team for the Texas League Wranglers.

No more baseball giveaways in D.C.
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Scott Walsten argues — with a rather conspiratorial bent — that the Washington Nationals don’t want to see development surrounding the ballpark because it poses a threat to fans buying food and drink at a new ballpark. Now, it’s easy to see his argument: baseball owners are rather cutthroat about trying to capture every penny of a revenue stream, even to the detriment of a partner — in this case, D.C., which is banking on the new ballpark to revitalize Southeast Washington. But we’re also guessing the Lerners are smart enough to know the financial future of the Nats will be enhanced by a thriving surrounding neighborhood, and their stand for above-ground parking (as opposed to underground parking topped with development) is exactly what they say: above-ground parking is cheaper and faster to build. In a separate editorial, the Washington Times concurs.

Mapping out parking spots in York
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Sitting around a table with aerial photos of downtown York, ballpark  proponents began mapping out potential parking spaces for fans heading to Sovereign Bank stadium to watch the York Revolution (independent; Atlantic League). After Thursday’s session with executives from team owners York Professional Baseball, the group quickly concluded there will be ample parking for the crowds filling the 5,306-seat ballpark in the city’s Arch Street neighborhood. A big boost came this week with a commitment for more than 650 spaces at the Susquehanna Commerce Center for free parking.

It just wouldn’t be spring without baseball
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
With local officials looking at funding sources for a new Cincinnati Reds spring-training complex in Sarasota, some locals wonder whether spring training is worth the expense and whether the city has outgrown the need to attract tourists with baseball. Local officials may be a little optimistic when they say spring training pumps $40 million in the local economy, but you can’t argue there’s no economic impact whatever. This month will see some more meetings to discuss plans for a new $54-million complex.

Nothing else like it
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
The Sun News’s tour of the Carolina League continues in Ernie Shore Field, the home of the Winston-Salem Warthogs. It’s a nice enough ballpark, but it’s not as unique as the author assumes: you can find similar ballparks with picnic decks all throughout North and South Carolina. Still, Ernie Shore Field is not the long-term home of the Warthogs: we continue to hear the ownership is working on a new proposal for a new ballpark (in fact, owners have been visiting other ballparks this summer to see what the state of the art is), and a downtown ballpark would appear to be in the team’s future.

Turnstile is going at stronger pace now in Arizona
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Nothing like a competitive team to get folks interested in baseball again. After a slow start at the gate, Arizona Diamondbacks attendance figures are on the upswing, and those numbers could continue to climb as the team looks as if it will be in the hunt for a playoff spot deep into September. After the team’s 20th home game on May 17 drew a Chase Field record low 18,030, the club was on pace to draw only 1.88 million, which would have been the smallest total in franchise history. But after their 58th home date Wednesday night, the Diamondbacks are on pace to draw about 2 million fans, only slightly down from last year’s 2.06 million.

Midland is ready, waits for baseball
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
More on the new ballpark in Midland, Mich., that will serve as the home of the transplanted Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (Low Class A; Midwest League). The article is fairly misleading in one respect: it makes it sound like there’s some doubt about whether the team will be affiliated. It will, as the only issue is whether it’s affiliated with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays or another MLB team.

Enjoy downtown for what it is, not what you remember
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
As the debate over whether to locate a new downtown ballpark for the Fort Wayne Wizards (Low Class A; Midwest League) continues, the real underlying disagreement is clear, according to columnist Richard Hatch: Those who favor the downtown location are acting in support of the larger idea that downtown Fort Wayne can and should be "revitalized" by being returned to appealing, but flawed, recollections of the 1950s. Those against building a ballpark downtown see that the world has changed, and no new ballpark, no enlarged Grand Wayne Convention Center and no other idea so far offered can work the miracle of taking Fort Wayne back to the past. Not quite sure it’s as stark as that — there were no downtown ballparks to speak of in the 1950s — and this author seems to have given up on a vibrant downtown: "But what an unrealistic idea it is to think that people will once again flock to department stores, small shops, locally owned restaurants and small theaters – with or without a baseball stadium."

Marlins fill system with independents
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
When the Florida Marlins organization needed players to fill gaps within its minor-league system, it turned to the independent professional baseball leagues. Since the start of the minor-league season, only Oakland has acquired more players than the five players Florida has pulled from independent baseball. The Marlins don’t scout the independent leagues. When a specific need appears within the organization, they scan independent leagues for a player putting up good statistics. If a player looks like a match, they then talk to their scouts, who might have seen the player in previous years.

Armada players to go multi-sport
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Here’s an interesting promotion. The Long Beach Armada (independent; Golden Baseball League) announced today that members of the Armada will take part in two separate professional sports challenges prior to two scheduled games this weekend. Players will test and showcase their skills as they take on professional players from the sports of dodgeball and cricket. The Armada currently have ex-major leaguer Jose Canseco on their roster. Both challenges will be held on Blair Field prior to the Armada’s games versus the Chico Outlaws. Friday’s game against the Outlaws is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., with Saturday’s game scheduled for 7:05 p.m.. Both the Dodgeball and Cricket challenges will be filmed for a possible television special, and are included with the price of admission to the Armada games.

Blowfish fulfill a need nicely
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
The Columbia Blowfish (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) had a phenomenal first year, leading the league in attendance (averaging 1,656 fans for 28 home games) and helping to smooth out the loss of the Capital City Bombers (Class A; Sally League) two years ago. In a way, the success of the Blowfish is a double-edged sword: their success will help keep affiliated or indy ball out of town, because they’re a) an established entity with local ownership and b) it’s enough for most locals, who won’t want to pay extra for a new ballpark.

Mallards show attendance isn’t necessarily tied to record
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
The Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) will once again set a season attendance record at Warner Park: 205,896 over 34 home games, an average of 6,056 per game. Those numbers also make the Mallards the most successful team in summer-collegiate leagues in terms of attendance and, we presume, revenue. We’re often asked by others in baseball if the Mallards are legit, and they are: we’ve attended several games over the past few years, and the numbers we saw reported matched the number of folks at the ballpark. The Mallards put on a great show, and the community has responded.

Friends of Duncan Park achieves nonprofit status
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
The Friends of Duncan Park (FODP) announced the organization will begin its work as a non-profit under the umbrella of Spartanburg Jaycees Charities, Inc. In a meeting last week, the two sides agreed to work together and allow the FODP to usethe 501 (c)(3) of Spartanburg Jaycees Charities, Inc., until the paperwork on a separate non-profit agency can be completed. Spartanburg Jaycees Charities already has a similar arrangement with the Spartanburg chapter of CrimeStoppers. Last week, the FODP received the first donation to the cause. Robi Bradham, an 8-year old girl whose family has served as a host family for the Spartanburg Stingers (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) since the team’s inception in 2003, raised $11 by hosting a lemonade stand in her driveway in Roebuck.

Torrington’s field of dreams lives on
Posted Aug. 11, 2006
Fuessenich Park, on land donated in 1918 by the treasurer of Hendey Machine Company, is home to the Torrington Twisters (summer collegiate; NECBL). In 1989, the city razed the old wooden grandstand at Fuessenich Park, built in the mid-1930s as a project funded through Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal. But two years later, then-mayor Delia Donne announced a plan to attract a minor-league baseball team. The Twisters were the impetus for a $1.2 million rehabilitation project finished in 1998 after the team’s first season.

Yankees, Mets bond sales set, both teams rated junk
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
New York City’s Yankees and Mets will take their rivalry to financial markets next week, competing for fans to buy tax-exempt bonds to pay for their new ballparks. The city’s industrial development authority will sell around $930 million of bonds for the Yankees, and almost $548 million for their cross-town rival Mets. Both the Yankees and the Mets deals were rated "BBB-minus" by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, which puts them just one notch above junk or non-investment grade, although an analyst for the agency indicated both teams were rated junk. But apparently the two issues will be insured, raising them to "AAA" status.

Mud Hens may diversify into hockey, arena football
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
The Toledo Mud Hens (Class AAA; International League) are considering the purchase of the Toledo Storm minor-league hockey team or bringing in a new team as part of a downtown arena project that would consolidate Toledo professional sports into an entertainment district that would straddle the Warehouse District. Local leaders, at a news conference yesterday to announce plans to build a new downtown arena on Superior Street, gushed about the financial successes of Fifth Third Field and the Mud Hens operation, which is run by a nonprofit organization and has generated more money than originally predicted to pay off ballpark debt. The Toledo Storm (ECHL) and a new Arena Football2 League teams would play in the newly proposed $80 million arena, which was recommended by consultant Tom Chema to be built on Superior adjacent to SeaGate Centre and one block from the ballpark. It’s also possible the Mud Hens may bring in an AHL team, the uppermost minor-league level in hockey.

Six charged in Tiger Stadium break-in
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
Six people were caught stealing at Tiger Stadium, although baseball hasn’t been played there for years. They also are accused of breaking into the vacant ballpark and vandalizing it, police say. The suspects were arrested about 2 a.m. Wednesday inside the ballpark, where the Detroit Tigers played from 1912 through 1999, Sgt. Omar Feliciano said. One of the suspects had a digital camera that carried images of the group cutting fabric off ballpark seats imprinted with the Tigers’ Old English "D" trademark.

Sonoma-Marin Fair Board moves ahead with Petaluma ballpark project
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
Merritt Paulson, a New York City marketing executive, is the man who wants to bring a Class A California League team to Petaluma’s Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. The proposal is for a privately financed ballpark to be built on a 10-12-acre site at the fairgrounds off Washington Street where the Petaluma Speedway is now located. The site would be leased from the Fair Board for $1 a year for 30 years with seven consecutive five-year options following the initial lease period. Paulson’s newly formed corporation, Shortstop LLC would build and finance the stadium and be responsible for all operating costs. For the past three years, Paulson has served as the senior director of marketing and business development at NBA entertainment. Paulson doesn’t have a team yet; we’re guessing the Bakersfield Blaze are in play. One potential stumbling block: a racetrack currently sits on the site, and the owner opposes the new ballpark.

Fenway fans find parking tickets a bargain
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
There’s a cheaper way to park a car near Fenway Park: use a two-hour metered spot and don’t bother refilling the meter if you’re there longer than two hours, as the ticket is only $15 — less than rates charged by local lots. The city is looking at raising the expired-meter fee to $40, but that probably won’t dissuade some fans from parking and tempting fate at a metered spot.

Angels, Bees extend affiliation to 2012
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Salt Lake Bees (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) must really, really like each other: they extended affiliation deal, already running through 2008, to 2012. "We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Angels," said Bees owner Larry Miller. "They are a first-class organization. The Angels have sent many talented players through Salt Lake, quality individuals who are making contributions to our team and to the community. We, in turn, strive to provide a quality atmosphere for players to develop in Utah."

Cougars, Oakland extend affiliation
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
Fresh off the announcement of a final plan for upgrades to Elfstrom Stadium, the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) announced their affiliation deal with the Oakland A’s was extended through the 2008 season. "As the only major league affiliated team in the Chicagoland area, we’re excited to extend our relationship with one of the best organizations in Major League Baseball," said Cougars GM Jeff Sedivy. "Billy Beane and his staff continue to make the A’s one of the most competitive teams in baseball and have sent a number of their best prospects to play for us, which is great for our fans and the quality of baseball played at Elfstrom Stadium."

Appeal planned on ruling in fantasy case
Posted Aug. 10, 2006
Everyone who has their head handed to them in a summary judgment vows an appeal, so it’s no surprise baseball lawyers say they’ll appeal a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Medler ruling that baseball statistics are in the public domain and free to be used by fantasy sports companies. "We are disappointed by the court’s decision yesterday in CBC v. MLBPA and MLBAM," read a statement made Tuesday by the pro baseball-related partners. "We expect to appeal the decision and remain c