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Nationals in talks for new spring-training site; will leave Viera

Washington NationalsThe Washington Nationals will terminate their lease at Space Coast Stadium before the 2017 end date if a deal for a new ballpark elsewhere in Florida can close soon, according to Brevard County officials.

Brevard County Commission Chairman Andy Anderson, who has been pushing a plan to keep the Nats training in Viera, confirms he’s been informed the team will be leaving the ballpark and training camp as soon as 2015. The team’s lease runs through 2017, but the Nats have an escape clause once bonds on the facility are paid — and that’s expected to happen by next years. Various reports have the Nats talking with an unidentified county about a plan for a new spring-training complex — and with a new complex in the works, it would appear that City of Palms Park is out of the mix as a new home for the Nats.

The move also puts the future of Space Coast Stadium in play. It would be hard to replace the Nationals — the city can’t move the ballpark to be closer to other teams in the Grapefruit League, obviously — and with the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League) openly seeking a new home in the Orlando area, the ballpark could end up without a major tenant by 2015.

RELATED STORIES: Early setback in attempt to keep Nationals in Brevard County; Prepping for spring training; Lee County commissioner: Nats unlikely to move to Fort Myers; Kissimmee pitching two-team complex for spring training; Nats, Lee County to keep continue discussions on spring training; Nats: We’re still interested in Fort Myers — if spring complex is upgradedPro baseball an endangered species in Viera?Twins, Lee County negotiating over player dorms, naming rights at spring-training complexTwins sign 30-year spring-training lease extensionLee County: Twins spring-training improvements hinge on state grantTwins present spring-training wish list to Lee County; Lee County to Nats: We really, really love youIf Nats leave Viera, will other teams follow?Lee County commissioner: “50-50” chance Nats will move spring ops to Fort MyersLee County, Nats to meet about spring trainingLee County applying for state ballpark-improvement grantLerner: Fort Myers is tops on our spring-training wish listGammons: Nats present spring-training wish list to Lee CountyIs Nats, Brevard County marriage over?Nats go public with desire for new spring-training facilityNats, Astros eying new Osceola County spring-training complexCould Cards, Marlins leave Treasure Coast?Kasten: Nats definitely looking for new spring home

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