Archives: Jan. 8-14, 2008
New Richmond plan: tear down Diamond and build new ballpark — but will the Braves be around?
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Richmond (Va.) officials want to tear down The Diamond, the current home of the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League), and build a new ballpark next to it as part of a larger redevelopment of the area, but reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicate the new owners of the Braves have committed to a move to a new ballpark in Gwinnett County in 2009. Regular readers of this site know we’ve been slamming the Atlanta Braves for opposing the move of an affiliated team to Gwinnett County; it looks like someone out there agreed with us and decided that market was too good to leave for an independent league. The Richmond newspaper has more. A press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow.
If the Braves move is true, then that leaves Richmond officials in the lurch in terms of pro baseball — though we don’t expect the market to sit open a day. The future of The Diamond has been under some debate in recent years: there are some obvious issues with it in terms of maintenance and ability to generate enough revenues. If the Braves move, you can expect a feeding frenzy for the Richmond market, especially if the city goes ahead with these plans for a new ballpark: it would be a prime area for at least four Class AA and Class A leagues, though we’re not so sure the city could attract another International League team, given the current stability in the other franchises. Look for speculation to begin about who would claim the Richmond market; West Tenn and Huntsville, obviously, will be prime candidates; look for some interesting possibilities arise from owners who have some freedom and are looking at development opportunities. Let the speculating begin.
Activists decry development plans around Yankee Stadium
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Neighborhood activists are decrying plans to hand over Parks Department land near Yankee Stadium to developers, saying the city is reneging on its pledge to preserve green space in the area. When the city laid out plans for a new Yankee Stadium, local residents feared the loss of green space and successfully lobbied the city to preserve green spaces in the south Bronx. But now some of that land is being turned over to developers — who don’t need zoning permits for their projects — who are looking at mixed-use (parking, retail office) developments. Speaking of Yankee Stadium: the team is involved in talks with the New York Rangers (NHL) about staging a hockey game there next winter, following the success in Buffalo with a nationally televised match at Ralph Wilson Stadium. We’re guessing it will not come to be: other teams have looked at this and concluded their old ballparks can’t handle the stress on the turf (remember, a baseball turf needs to be ready for play at the end of March; Ralph Wilson Stadium has artificial turf and the Buffalo Bills don’t begin play until August), and we’re guessing there are some prime parts of the ballpark that aren’t winterized. A more likely venue in the New York City area is Giants Stadium.
Naturals ballpark construction on schedule
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Construction of a new ballpark in Springdale, Ark. for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) is right on schedule, as the team prepares for an April 10 home opener. Exterior stonework that surrounds the outer perimeter of the ballpark is approaching completion. The decorative stonework will surround the lower level on the first-base side and multiple structures on the third-base side of the complex. The glass curtain structure that adorns the suite levels is complete and the back side of the suites is nearing completion. Seat installation also continues.
Parking to be limited near new Nats ballpark
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A shortage of parking near Nationals Park, the new home of the Washington Nationals, will force many fans to travel to the game via subway or park in a satellite lot, say Nationals officials. No surprise: D.C. and Nationals officials have both said repeatedly parking will be tight in 2008. Things would be better in the future when the market responds with new ramps and parking areas.
Cliff Hawks’ suit against former Xanadu developer tossed
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A lawsuit brought by Bergen Cliff Hawks (independent; Atlantic League) owner Steve Kalifer against former Xanadu developers Mills Corp. and Mack-Cali has been dismissed in a summary judgment, as Judge Jonathan Harris says Kalifer had no agreement for the Meadowlands developer to build a new ballpark. Basically, Kalifer asserted Xanadu lawyer Robert DeCotiis and he reached an oral agreement for a new $20-million ballpark. Harris ruled that such a brief discussion was not a binding agreement: "I find that no rational [judge] of fact could conclude that the fleeting encounter between DeCotiis and Kalafer on Sept. 4, 2002, resulted in a binding meeting of the minds to enable [Kalafer] to recover foreseeable damages for breach of contract," Harris wrote. "At best, it was only the opening salvo in what should have become a campaign of discussions that would lead to mutual assent."
Hennepin County says ballpark appraisal process tainted by crooked evaluation
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Hennepin County, the entity actually building the new Minnesota Twins ballpark, filed suit against appraiser Larry Tucker and the Faegre & Benson law firm, saying neither side had disclosed a business relationship between the two. Tucker was one of three court-appointed commissioners in the condemnation case where Hennepin County and landowners couldn’t agree on the pricing of an eight-acre parcel crucial for the Twins ballpark constructions. Tucker had previously consulted for Faegre & Benson in a separate suit against Hennepin County. Faegre & Benson represented the landowners in the Twins suit, and in an oath Tucker said he had no relationship with any of the parties involved in the proceedings — Faegre & Benson included. It did raise many eyebrows in the local real-estate community when Tucker came back with a much higher valuation for the land ($33.2 million) than the other appraisers ($23.8 million). Tucker says Hennepin County was informed of the potential conflict; Tucker says otherwise. The latest shows how contentious the land-acquisition process was on both sides.
Gwinnett County still working on minor-league baseball
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Officials in Gwinnett County in suburban Atlanta are close to an agreement for a new $35-million, 7,000-seat ballpark for an independent South Coast League team — a development that would lend instant life to the small circuit, which is entering its second season. Gwinnett County is a demographically strong area that already supports minor-league sports — the Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL) team is among the best-drawing teams in minor-league hockey — and the Atlanta Braves may have blown it when they decided to pass on allowing an affiliated team in the area. UPDATE: Obviously with the news the Richmond Braves (Class AAA; International League) are interested in a move to Gwinnett County, it would seem talk of an independent team coming from Gwinnett County officials was a little premature.
Suit: Yankees committed "fraud" over steroids
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This is what the folks in the legal trade would call a nuisance lawsuit. Paralegal Matthew Mitchell is suing the New York Yankees for $221 for tickets he purchased over the years, claiming his favorite team committed a form of fraud by profiting from bad actions of others, such as Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. Really, this isn’t about the money, but the principle: Mitchell wants Yankees officials to appear in court (a date has been set for Feb. 20) and explain their actions. We’re guessing a motion to dismiss from a first-year associate will short-circuit Mitchell’s quest for justice.
Woodchucks eying ballpark enhancements
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Wisconsin Woodchucks (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) are eying several enhancements to Athletic Park after inspections revealed some noncompliance with local ordinances. But the price tag associated with the improvements — adding new concession stands and bathrooms alone will cost $373,100 — is leading the Woodchucks ownership and local officials to ask whether it wouldn’t be more cost-effective to look at a new ballpark. Athletic Park was built in 1936; while it’s not exactly showing its age, it is definitely a throwback to an earlier era. Though it would be nice to see some sort of renovation, that may not be possible, and some of the more serious issues with the ballpark — the lack of surrounding land and parking — can’t be addressed with renovation.
Chiefs, Red Wings to play game at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Syracuse Chiefs and Rochester Red Wings will play a game at historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York on Sunday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. The relocation of an International League game to Cooperstown in 2008 honors the circuit’s 125th anniversary.
"The 2008 season is going to be a very special one in the International League and May 18 is going to be a very special day," International League President Randy Mobley said. "As the second oldest league in all of professional sports [behind only the National League], the International League is expectedly proud of its history. The opportunity for two of the League’s most tenured clubs, Rochester with 121 years and Syracuse with 94 years, to face off in a regular season game at such a sacred location as Doubleday Field is the ultimate way to honor the history of the League and the great game we all love."
The Cooperstown game will be a highlight of the International League’s 125th campaign. In addition to this historic event, IL fans will have opportunities all season long to participate in the anniversary celebration. Special activities and events are planned throughout the League, including induction of the largest class in the history of the International League Hall of Fame. In the coming days an announcement will be made with further information on purchasing tickets to the Cooperstown game, as well as combination packages that will include a pass to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Good expansion plan in Kane County — if ticket prices don’t go up
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The local newspaper endorses the financial plan for an expansion of a $10.5-million expansion of Elfstrom Stadium, the home of the Kane County Cougars (Low Class A; Midwest League) with one big caveat: they don’t want to see ticket prices go up. We’re guessing they won’t go up any more than normal in coming years: the whole point of the expansion is to add premium boxes to the ballpark, and generally they can pay for themselves. As for the sale of the naming rights: it’s too bad, as Phil Elfstrom was truly a visionary in working to bring baseball to the area, but officials say his name will still be affixed to the complex — a continuing legacy. More from the Kane County Chronicle.
Topeka schedules forums on new ballpark
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The city of Topeka has scheduled meetings on what locals think about the potential of a new minor-league ballpark. We’re not quite sure what the outcome is expected to be: given there’s no site, no announced league and no funding plan, there’s really nothing to determine in the public response — unless there’s widespread opposition to the very idea of baseball in Topeka. We’re guessing there’s not. Given that, this is like asking local citizens what they think about having a free chocolate-malt dispenser on every corner: it’s good PR, but not very useful in terms of generating useful public opinion.
Orioles expand all-you-care-to-eat seating
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Baltimore Orioles are the latest team to announce an expansion of their all-you-care-to-eat plan, adding 700 club-level seats to the program. All-you-can-eat tickets purchased on a single-game basis prior to the day of the game cost $40, up from $35 last year. Day-of-game tickets for the promotion will sell for $45. For "prime" games, tickets will sell for $55 prior, and $60 on the day of the game, while partial- and full-season all-you-can-eat tickets will cost fans $35 a seat.
Startup Seatsub aims to fill seats at minor-league games
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
We chatted with these guys at the Winter Meetings and were impressed with their plan to help teams monetize unused, already-sold tickets. Austin’s Seatsub has a program to allow season-ticket holders to give unused tickets to clients, family members or whoever else they designate. The independent Golden Baseball League has already signed up to try the technology. Teams know selling a ticket is just one part of the sales process: the other part is getting the fan to actually show up at the ballpark.
Ballpark Notes
Posted Jan. 14, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Edwin Rodriguez returns as the manager of the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low Class A; Sally League). Joining Rodriguez will be pitching coach John Duffy, hitting coach Jorge Hernandez and athletic trainer James Stone. This marks Rodriguez’s second season at the helm of the Grasshoppers, after a successful 71-69 campaign with the team last year. He previously spent two seasons as manager of the Marlins’ Gulf Coast League affiliate from 2005-06 and served as hitting coach for the Carolina Mudcats (Class AA; Eastern League) in 2004….Vince Moore returns as field manager for the Edinburg Coyotes (independent; United League Baseball)….
New for 2008: Progressive Field
Posted Jan. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Cleveland Indians have sold naming rights to Jacobs Field to Progressive Insurance, with the new name to be Progressive Field. The Jake has been known as Jacobs Field since 1994 when it first opened. Richard and David Jacobs, the owners of the Indians at that time, bought the naming rights for $10 million. That deal expired in 2007, and the Indians retained IMG to shop naming rights. Progressive Field just doesn’t have the same snap that the Jake or even Jacobs Field has; we’re guessing it will take Indians fans years to come to grips with the new name, although as a plus Progressive Insurance is a Cleveland-area firm. No word on how much the insurance giant is paying, although we’re guessing between $2 million and $3 million annually. UPDATE: The Indians did better than we anticipated. The deal calls for an average of $3.6 million annually through 2023.
Mets interested in switch to Syracuse: Schumer
Posted Jan. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
You don’t find many United States senators involved in minor-league affiliations, but apparently U.S Sen. Chuck Schumer has injected himself into the plans of the New York Mets for their 2009-10 affiliations. Currently the Mets are affiliated with the New Orleans Zephyrs (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), but Schumer wants to see them switch to the Syracuse Chiefs (Class AAA; International League). Schumer has gone to the point of discussing it with Mets owner Fred Wilpon, who says the Mets are indeed interested in a switch. It probably was a little impolitic of Wilpon to discuss the matter with the senator; in theory no one is supposed to be discussing affiliation shifts until August 2008 (unless you’re discussing an extension of a current affiliation), and other Mets officials declined to comment because of these tampering rules. Still, discussions do happen; that’s just the reality of the situation. We’ve reported several times about hearing the same thing about the Mets wanting to move to upstate New York on the Triple-A level: it would benefit the team’s marketing efforts and also give them a good fit with the Binghamton Mets (Class AA; Eastern League). We expect the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) to be in play as well if the Cleveland Indians go ahead and switch their Triple-A affiliation to the Columbus Clippers (Class AAA; International League), as many expect.
Diamondbacks to go hi-def — in a big way
Posted Jan. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Daktronics has entered into a contract with Mortenson Construction to design and manufacture one of the world’s largest true high-definition video displays for the Arizona Diamondbacks, with installation at Chase Field scheduled for completion prior to the start of the 2008 baseball season. The new board, to be the widest in Major League Baseball, will have the capability to display two, true high-definition, 16:9 images side by side. The display will be one of only a handful of true high definition LED boards in the world and will measure approximately 136 feet high by 46 feet wide, populated with millions of red, green and blue LEDs. With 880 native lines of resolution, the new display will provide high-definition video in up to 4.4 trillion colors. The display will be approximately eight times larger than the existing CRT video board and will be attached to the existing structure after the original components are removed. The existing main scoreboard behind centerfield was completed in 1998 as part of the original ballpark construction.
Reese offers to settle lawsuits over new Knights ballpark
Posted Jan. 11, 2008 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Real-estate developer Jerry Reese has offered to settle three lawsuits he has pending against Mecklenburg County over funding of land acquisitions for a new Charlotte Knights (Class AAA; International League) ballpark. Reese’s complaint: the county is issuing bonds to fund the land swap; the county is prohibited from issuing bonds to fund a ballpark (under the current plan, the Knights are actually funding the ballpark), and Reese says it’s basically the same thing. However, a judge has thrown out two of the three lawsuits (he’s appealing) and insiders we’ve talked with say the third has little chance of prevailing, either. (His larger motivation: he wants to bring a Major League Baseball team to Charlotte, and he thinks a new Knights ballpark would hinder those plans — and presumably cause taxpayers not to support a publicly fund