The quest to bring the Chicago Cubs to a new spring-training site in Naples is all but over, as Crane Kenney politely declines the offer for now — which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone following the situation.
What was surprising: how dogged the two outfits seeking the Cubs were pursuing the team, even though Tom Ricketts and crew had basically told the world they were pursuing a deal with Mesa and didn’t wish to entertain alternative offers. Indeed, while yesterday was potentially a milestone if the Cubs did want to leave — an exclusive negotiating agreement expired without the two sides reaching a formal agreement — the Cubs and Mesa both treated it just like any other day, saying that progress was being made on the deal. For the two Florida groups to demand an answer from the Cubs on their status was pretty much silly and a little arrogant.
For the record, here’s the press statement issued by Cubs President Crane Kinney:
“The Cubs are appreciative of the efforts from the Naples team to provide the club with a first-rate spring training facility. Naples is a world-class city and could undoubtedly provide our organization and fans an exceptional facility and experience. Despite the opportunity that exists in Naples, for the time being we will continue our work in Mesa to build a new spring training facility there.”
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