D'Backs Eye Possible Spring Sites After White Sox Leave Tucson
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D'Backs Looking At Spring Training Options
Following White Sox' Departure |
The D'Backs are "looking at four new spring training sites around metro Phoenix, including one owned by the Gila River Indian Community, and could move from Tucson by 2011," according to Craig Harris of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The D'Backs' actions are "spurred by" the departure of the White Sox from Tucson, Arizona, which became official yesterday when Pima County (AZ) "allowed the team to leave for a new home in Glendale." The D'Backs are "contractually obligated to have spring training at Tucson Electric Park through 2012, while the Rockies have a contract to play" at Hi Corbett Field until 2011. However, D'Backs President Derrick Hall said that the White Sox' departure "triggers escape clauses for both teams." And Hall said that the D'Backs "may partner with the Rockies on a new spring-training facility." Hall: "We would just rather stay there, and everyone knows that. But there has to be more than two teams. That's our issue." Hall said that neither the D'Backs nor Rockies "benefit by playing each other numerous times" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 11/19). Rockies President Keli McGregor said, "We are exploring a lot of different options, but the situation is as fluid as it's ever been. We hope to make some decisions this offseason." In Denver, Patrick Saunders writes McGregor "made it clear it is unlikely the Rockies will return to Hi Corbett when their lease with the city of Tucson expires in 2011" (DENVER POST, 11/19).
MOVING DAY: In Chicago, Mark Gonzales reports the White Sox paid $5M to "get out of their lease" at Tucson Electric Park that ran through 2012, and Pima County officials "will use a 180-day window to try to find another team to replace the Sox." Gonzales: "Should they fail, they likely would transform the practice fields into a youth baseball facility as they continue trying to attract another team with the aid of the Sox" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/19). In Arizona, John Ames wrote, "Now that the White Sox are gone, time and money will be wasted trying to attract a replacement team to Tucson. Good luck with that. Tucson is a tough sell." As for the Rockies and D'Backs "expect those teams to bolt soon" as well (AZSTARNET.com, 11/18). Meanwhile, the White Sox will move to an $80M spring training facility in Glendale that they will share with the Dodgers (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/19). CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS' Mike Colias reported the new Glendale ballpark has 10,000 seats and "room for 3,000 in its outfield lawn." The facility, "set for completion in February, will be the largest ballpark in the Cactus League" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 11/18).
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