Florida Gov. Rick Scott yesterday “made official what has long been expected,” that the Astros and Nationals will be moving their Spring Training operations to West Palm Beach, according to Dave Berman of FLORIDA TODAY. Scott in a statement said that the teams “agreed to keep their spring training operations in Florida for the next 30 years, thanks in part” to $50M in state incentives to help pay for a new ballpark in West Palm Beach. He “did not specify when the move might take place.” Berman notes Scott “did not directly mention West Palm Beach in his statement, but others did,” including Astros Owner Jim Crane and Nationals Principal Owner Mark Lerner. Deputy Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker said that she is "confident in Palm Beach County finalizing the deal" with the teams for a proposed $135M ballpark, although "some details still have to be worked out." Those details include an "easement change that must go before the Florida Legislature." The Nationals currently hold Spring Training in Viera, while the Astros play in Kissimmee (FLORIDA TODAY, 2/12). In West Palm Beach, Joe Capozzi noted Scott’s release “at least signals the likelihood that he will sign off on the bill if it’s approved” (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 2/11). Meanwhile, Brevard County has "already made efforts to attract other teams to replace the Nationals" when the team's Space Coast Stadium lease expires in ’18 (WASHINGTONTIMES.com, 2/11).
JUST LIKE HOME: In Minneapolis, Patrick Reusse notes the $48.5M renovation to Hammond Stadium, the Twins' Spring Training ballpark in Ft. Myers, Fla., include a "new auxiliary field -- the fifth at the complex -- built to the exact dimensions of Target Field." The CenturyLink Sports Complex features an academy building with "54 double rooms for minor leaguers, a dining room, study areas and meeting space" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 2/12).
