Each team is looking at multiple proposals to move spring-training operations from Tucson to Phoenix, as early as 2011.
The Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks are looking at multiple proposals to move spring-training operations from Tucson to Phoenix as early as 2011.
The Rockies and the D-Backs currently train in Tucson, but outs in their contracts allow them to leave at any point. And it’s no secret both teams are looking at a move to Phoenix; two teams in Tucson means the MLB and MiLB squads for both teams spend a lot of time busing up to Phoenix for games. Plus, Tucson isn’t much of a draw for spring training anymore, and though Hi Corbett Field is one of the more charming and historic spring-training venues out there, it doesn’t attract much more than the Rockies and spring-training hardcore.
So both teams have sent clear signals they’d look at alternatives. There are reports of up to six proposals on the table for the Rockies, but we’re not sure they’re all serious; insiders peg the number of realistic proposals at four. We know there’s active consideration of spring-training proposals by both camps, and one proposal may be a lot closer to fruition than has been reported. So it looks definite the two teams will be moving to Phoenix; the real question is where and if it will come as soon as 2011.