Wolff Reiterates Desire For New Venue, Skirts Fremont Questions

Wolff Says A's "Need A Baseball-Only Venue"

Papa: Was the financing in place to actually get that ballpark built?

Wolff: We're not as concerned about the financing as we are about having a place to build it. Because of certain income streams that we have, including your organization, we can do a great ballpark. Remember, we're only talking 32,000 seats so we're not trying to emulate Yankee Stadium or the Mets.

Papa: So what is going on right now with this committee that was formed by (MLB Commissioner Bud Selig)? The first question I have for you is what options do you have in the territorial rights that you now do enjoy, which would be Alameda and Contra Costa Counties?

Wolff: You know, I’m here tonight, really, for the opening. I've said some time ago that I was going to take a little break with Spring Training, the World Baseball Classic, and the first few weeks of the new season. So all those details I'd really prefer not to get into. Also, I don't want to put your audience to sleep.

Papa: Well, I guess you’re not going to like my next question then. If you want to back out of the interview at any point, I give you that option.

Wolff: Thank you.

Papa: I was under the impression that we were going to talk about San Jose. ... If things don't work out for you in Alameda or Contra Costa County, is that an area that you will pursue for your franchise?

Wolff: (looking annoyed) It will be up to Major League Baseball.

Following the interview with Wolff, Papa noted CSN also invited San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and Chuck Boxer, who is "heading a committee for the city of Oakland to try to keep the A's there," to appear on the show. But Selig and the A's "thought that it would be best if they didn't all appear at this time." Papa: "Obviously, the owner of the A's is looking to backpedal a little bit from some earlier statements." S.F. Chronicle reporter Scott Ostler said San Jose is "definitely in the picture" as a potential destination for the A's. Ostler: "Lew Wolff has already pretty much given up on Oakland. He's being asked by the commissioner to go back and revisit that, but San Jose is in the picture, they're ready to go, so I see a fight coming with the Giants" ("Chronicle Live," CSN Bay Area, 4/10).

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