Angels spokesperson Marie Garvey said the team hopes to make a decision "by the end of the year" as to whether it will remain in Anaheim or if it will move to a new venue on Long Beach. The Angels' lease on Angel Stadium expires after next season, and in L.A., Bill Shaikin reports the Long Beach Arena could be demolished to "accommodate development" in one of the scenarios discussed in talks between the Angels and Long Beach. In Anaheim, negotiations are "on hold while the city awaits an appraisal of the Angel Stadium site." In Long Beach, an "appraisal of the potential ballpark site and surrounding land has not been conducted" (L.A. TIMES, 4/4).
DEAD ON ARRIVAL: Four months after the Rays' search for a new home "hit a dead end in Ybor City, a development partnership is pitching a new ballpark site to Tampa City Hall." The proposed site is three miles west of the Ybor location, on 18 acres of city-owned land. However, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn yesterday said that the proposal was a "non-starter" because the "proposed scale, density and intensity of the development would overwhelm what is an existing neighborhood" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/4).
HOME SWEET HOME: In Detroit, Carlos Monarrez writes this is the Tigers' 20th season at Comerica Park, and the ballpark "hasn't aged a day." In fact, it has "only gotten better." Monarrez: "I admit I haven't been to every big-league ballpark. ... I believe Comerica Park is the best all-encompassing ballpark experience. ... You just can't beat Comerica Park for its vibrant downtown location, its city skyline views, its attractions for kids and the ever-changing food options" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/4).
