Florida Politician Looking To Bring MLB Franchise To Orlando

Gutierrez Trying To Lure MLB Team To Orlando

Republican congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez is the "brains behind" a new proposal to bring an MLB team to Orlando, according to Mark Boyle of WFTV-ABC. The idea "has been tossed around several times before, but this time there's a different approach." Gutierrez: "This is something that can be done without using public taxpayer's money. I would not support using any public dollars for something like this." Gutierrez has "put together an exploratory committee of at least 10 people, some of whom are private investors who are ready to help pay to relocate a team." He added, "We will be meeting in the next week to discuss the specifics." Possible new stadium sites would be near the Citrus Bowl, the airport, the Orange County Convention Center and the Disney area. No one is "saying right now exactly what MLB team would even consider the proposal," but Boyle indicated that the Brewers could be one team that could relocate to Orlando (WFTV.com, 1/22).

STAYING PUT: Brewers VP/Communications Tyler Barnes called the report “ridiculous.” Barnes: “The reporter or whoever else is putting that out there should do his homework. It’s irresponsible. We just finished ninth in attendance, we have one of the best ballparks in baseball and an owner who is totally committed to the (Milwaukee) area” (MLB.com, 1/23).