Washington Baseball ?????? read this

GeoWar · 11-05-2004, 06:54 PM

D.C. Council proposal could derail Expos' move to city
WASHINGTON (AP) — The chair of the District of Columbia Council proposed Friday that a new ballpark be built next to RFK Stadium instead of a site south of the U.S. Capitol, a plan that could cause Major League Baseball to drop the scheduled move of the Montreal Expos to Washington.
Council Chair Linda Cropp made the proposal to cut costs for the new ballpark, which she estimates would be $600 million on the original site, far above the estimate in the $435 million deal Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed in September.

"The costs are going up so high that I believe it will have a negative effect on our business community," Cropp said. "By moving to RFK Stadium, we have an automatic 20% reduction in cost."

Washington's contract with the Expos calls for funding for a ballpark at the original site to be approved by Dec. 31. Cropp said there would be an $83 million savings in land acquisition under her plan.

"This is going to blow the thing up," said a livid Williams, warning it could undo 30 years worth of efforts to get the city a team to replace the expansion Washington Senators, who became the Texas Rangers after the 1971 season.

Cropp said she is willing to risk losing the Expos if baseball owners refuse to accept the RFK location.

"I would hope that baseball would be extremely reasonable," Cropp said.

Washington's contract with the Expos does not allow for a change in the stadium site without the team's approval.

"We have an agreement with the mayor whereby he has until the 31st of December to obtain passage of the legislation effectuating the stadium agreement," said John McHale Jr., an executive vice president in the commissioner's office who has been involved in planning the move. "Until that time comes, we're not going to get excited."

In another development, baseball spokesman Rich Levin said reports in Friday's editions of The Washington Times and USA Today that the Expos would be renamed the Nationals were premature. Levin said other names, such as the Senators, remain under consideration and that baseball still was conducting focus groups.

Cropp's ballpark plan is supported by Council members Carol Schwartz, David Catania and Phil Mendelson. There are 13 members of the Council, and seven must approve a financing plan.

"I said I'm not getting involved in the local politics," Expos president Tony Tavares said. "I have no opinion about any of that stuff. I'm ignoring it all. I'm just concentrating on launching the team here."

Cropp has discussed her proposal with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the D.C. Restaurant Association and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and said business leaders have signaled their support for any plan that allows for future business development — especially if it trims costs.

Williams plans to speak to residents Monday night on the city's cable television station, hoping to win support. Williams will offer the opposition equal time.

The ballpark proposal has drawn intense criticism from many city residents, who prefer to focus on schools rather than a ballpark. Three Council members who supported Williams' plan were ousted in September's Democratic primary by foes — including former Mayor Marion Barry, who last week criticized the deal at a council hearing.

"Why should we subsidize these millionaires?" Barry said, this week following his general election victory.

Politics and sports --- Don't put the Expos through this again ---

Take them to Memphis !! or Portland !!

JWay · 11-05-2004, 06:59 PM

Why would a team want a team, then kick them out...

canadiancreed · 11-05-2004, 07:24 PM

I think they wanted the team but not if they had o pay for a whole new staidum.

Lord knows the expos cant afford to build one, and i can agree with teh residents of washington to not want to ahve to subsidize payment of a stadium when the owners shoudl be able to do so.

I dont see whats wrong with jsut using RFK, but hey, if it goes south, another year of expos baseball

Anachronism · 11-05-2004, 07:31 PM

Imagine that... people in Washington who promise you one thing in order to get what they want, and then when they get it they go back on their promises and yet still expect you to give them what was agreed.

Man... that is just so unusual!

(now... I hope MLB has the BALLS to take the franchise away if the new stadium is not built...)

GeoWar · 11-05-2004, 10:17 PM

I should have mentioned -- Birmingham, Alabama also as a possible site ..

This area could use a major league team -- the USFL was a success there.

Dagrims · 11-05-2004, 10:22 PM

I'm putting a deposit down on season tickets for the Orlando Expos. I know, in my dreams.

rudel.dietrich · 11-05-2004, 10:31 PM

NOOOO!!!
Say it ain't so

RFK is fine for three seasons until a new stadium can be built.

Long_Long_Name · 11-05-2004, 11:00 PM

A false hope is not something I need.

Chappy · 11-06-2004, 06:20 AM

If MLB denies Washington the Expos because they're not willing to spend $600 million on a project originally estimated to cost $435 million, I can honestly say I'll never give them another penny (unless OOTP moves to being an officially licsenesed product).

Hondo · 11-06-2004, 07:26 AM

Dont worry, DC will come through with the dollars, I guarantee!

Weve been waiting this long for the Expos i'm sure we can pay the few dollars for that plus the FAs were going to bring in. Look for Vladdy and Cabrera to make a return this off season, I KID YOU NOT!

andymac · 11-06-2004, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo

Dont worry, DC will come through with the dollars, I guarantee!

Weve been waiting this long for the Expos i'm sure we can pay the few dollars for that plus the FAs were going to bring in. Look for Vladdy and Cabrera to make a return this off season, I KID YOU NOT!

My prediction is that they swing a deal for ARod and sign Pedro along with Vlad and Cabrera

Hondo · 11-06-2004, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andymac

My prediction is that they swing a deal for ARod and sign Pedro along with Vlad and Cabrera

LOL That would be wild

Imagine th first pitch at the new ballpark, Pedro on the mound.

ctorg · 11-06-2004, 07:57 AM

I'm pretty confident that we'll see baseball in Washington next year. MLB really wants it, and so does Washington. I think they'll do what they can to make it happen. It's just that one side doesn't want to let the other think it will make concessions.

mlyons · 11-06-2004, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo

Dont worry, DC will come through with the dollars, I guarantee!

Weve been waiting this long for the Expos i'm sure we can pay the few dollars for that plus the FAs were going to bring in. Look for Vladdy and Cabrera to make a return this off season, I KID YOU NOT!

So how are they going to pry Guerrero from Anaheim?

Spielman · 11-06-2004, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo

Dont worry, DC will come through with the dollars, I guarantee!

Weve been waiting this long for the Expos i'm sure we can pay the few dollars for that plus the FAs were going to bring in. Look for Vladdy and Cabrera to make a return this off season, I KID YOU NOT!

Uh huuuuh.

Yeah, Anaheim's busy shopping Vlad around after his disappointing .337 season with 39 HRs.

-Spielman

rudel.dietrich · 11-06-2004, 10:57 AM

If this would of been done after the 2001 season like it should of been then this would of been a moot point. Vlad and Carberra would still be in Washington along with other farm talent and FA's and Washington would be competing for the NL East this next season.

Mariner and Giants Fan · 11-06-2004, 11:21 AM

National League baseball just 3 hours away.....SWEEEEEEEEEETT!!

GForce · 11-06-2004, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spielman

Uh huuuuh.

Yeah, Anaheim's busy shopping Vlad around after his disappointing .337 season with 39 HRs.

-Spielman

[Bitter Met Fan]
Sorry to see that back pose so much of a problem for him.
[/Bitter Mets Fan]

GH

DaveDingman · 11-06-2004, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo

LOL That would be wild

Imagine th first pitch at the new ballpark, Pedro on the mound.

I wouldn't doubt it. With Pedro on the market too, imagine the possibilities of him signing there too!

ctorg · 11-08-2004, 08:35 AM

Um, I don't think the new Washington team will be immediately competitive. I think they'll take a bit of a building approach. They won't want to spend enormous amounts of money on players before figuring out what kind of fan base they'll have.

At least I don't think so.

11-05-2004, 06:54 PM	#1
GeoWar All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 850	Washington Baseball ?????? read this D.C. Council proposal could derail Expos' move to city WASHINGTON (AP) — The chair of the District of Columbia Council proposed Friday that a new ballpark be built next to RFK Stadium instead of a site south of the U.S. Capitol, a plan that could cause Major League Baseball to drop the scheduled move of the Montreal Expos to Washington. Council Chair Linda Cropp made the proposal to cut costs for the new ballpark, which she estimates would be $600 million on the original site, far above the estimate in the $435 million deal Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed in September. "The costs are going up so high that I believe it will have a negative effect on our business community," Cropp said. "By moving to RFK Stadium, we have an automatic 20% reduction in cost." Washington's contract with the Expos calls for funding for a ballpark at the original site to be approved by Dec. 31. Cropp said there would be an $83 million savings in land acquisition under her plan. "This is going to blow the thing up," said a livid Williams, warning it could undo 30 years worth of efforts to get the city a team to replace the expansion Washington Senators, who became the Texas Rangers after the 1971 season. Cropp said she is willing to risk losing the Expos if baseball owners refuse to accept the RFK location. "I would hope that baseball would be extremely reasonable," Cropp said. Washington's contract with the Expos does not allow for a change in the stadium site without the team's approval. "We have an agreement with the mayor whereby he has until the 31st of December to obtain passage of the legislation effectuating the stadium agreement," said John McHale Jr., an executive vice president in the commissioner's office who has been involved in planning the move. "Until that time comes, we're not going to get excited." In another development, baseball spokesman Rich Levin said reports in Friday's editions of The Washington Times and USA Today that the Expos would be renamed the Nationals were premature. Levin said other names, such as the Senators, remain under consideration and that baseball still was conducting focus groups. Cropp's ballpark plan is supported by Council members Carol Schwartz, David Catania and Phil Mendelson. There are 13 members of the Council, and seven must approve a financing plan. "I said I'm not getting involved in the local politics," Expos president Tony Tavares said. "I have no opinion about any of that stuff. I'm ignoring it all. I'm just concentrating on launching the team here." Cropp has discussed her proposal with officials from the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the D.C. Restaurant Association and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and said business leaders have signaled their support for any plan that allows for future business development — especially if it trims costs. Williams plans to speak to residents Monday night on the city's cable television station, hoping to win support. Williams will offer the opposition equal time. The ballpark proposal has drawn intense criticism from many city residents, who prefer to focus on schools rather than a ballpark. Three Council members who supported Williams' plan were ousted in September's Democratic primary by foes — including former Mayor Marion Barry, who last week criticized the deal at a council hearing. "Why should we subsidize these millionaires?" Barry said, this week following his general election victory. Politics and sports --- Don't put the Expos through this again --- Take them to Memphis !! or Portland !! __________________ Cal. State Fullerton -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2004 Texas Longhorns -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2005 Oregon State Beavers -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2006 and 2007 With unity comes VICTORY !

11-05-2004, 07:24 PM	#3
canadiancreed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 11,660	I think they wanted the team but not if they had o pay for a whole new staidum. Lord knows the expos cant afford to build one, and i can agree with teh residents of washington to not want to ahve to subsidize payment of a stadium when the owners shoudl be able to do so. I dont see whats wrong with jsut using RFK, but hey, if it goes south, another year of expos baseball __________________ PT21 PT22

11-05-2004, 07:31 PM	#4
Anachronism All Star Reserve Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Great White North Posts: 945	Imagine that... people in Washington who promise you one thing in order to get what they want, and then when they get it they go back on their promises and yet still expect you to give them what was agreed. Man... that is just so unusual! (now... I hope MLB has the BALLS to take the franchise away if the new stadium is not built...) __________________ "Ruth did it on Beer and Hotdogs..."

11-05-2004, 10:17 PM	#5
GeoWar All Star Reserve Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 850	I should have mentioned -- Birmingham, Alabama also as a possible site .. This area could use a major league team -- the USFL was a success there. __________________ Cal. State Fullerton -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2004 Texas Longhorns -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2005 Oregon State Beavers -- NCAA Champion - Baseball 2006 and 2007 With unity comes VICTORY !

11-05-2004, 10:22 PM	#6
Dagrims Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,827	I'm putting a deposit down on season tickets for the Orlando Expos. I know, in my dreams. __________________ "Read books, get brain."

11-05-2004, 06:59 PM	#2
JWay Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 5,031	Why would a team want a team, then kick them out...

11-05-2004, 10:31 PM	#7
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608	NOOOO!!! Say it ain't so RFK is fine for three seasons until a new stadium can be built.

11-05-2004, 11:00 PM	#8
Long_Long_Name Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Montréal Posts: 7,065	A false hope is not something I need. __________________ Beta Baseball. Join it!

11-06-2004, 06:20 AM	#9
Chappy Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 2,721	If MLB denies Washington the Expos because they're not willing to spend $600 million on a project originally estimated to cost $435 million, I can honestly say I'll never give them another penny (unless OOTP moves to being an officially licsenesed product). __________________ NPBL - Pennsylvania Freedom AFBL - North Carolina Aviators MLB-Pro - Kansas City Royals

11-06-2004, 07:26 AM	#10
Hondo Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 42	Dont worry, DC will come through with the dollars, I guarantee! Weve been waiting this long for the Expos i'm sure we can pay the few dollars for that plus the FAs were going to bring in. Look for Vladdy and Cabrera to make a return this off season, I KID YOU NOT! __________________ Washington Nationals NL East Champs 2008 Touchdown! Washington Redskins! March to Super Bowl XLIV

11-06-2004, 07:57 AM	#13
ctorg Global Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 9,848	I'm pretty confident that we'll see baseball in Washington next year. MLB really wants it, and so does Washington. I think they'll do what they can to make it happen. It's just that one side doesn't want to let the other think it will make concessions. __________________ My music "When the trees blow back and forth, that's what makes the wind." - Steven Wright Fjord emena pancreas thorax fornicate marmalade morpheme proteolysis smaxa cabana offal srue vitriol grope hallelujah lentils

11-06-2004, 10:57 AM	#16
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608	If this would of been done after the 2001 season like it should of been then this would of been a moot point. Vlad and Carberra would still be in Washington along with other farm talent and FA's and Washington would be competing for the NL East this next season.

11-06-2004, 11:21 AM	#17
Mariner and Giants Fan All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Port Townsend, WA. Posts: 1,265	How about the Portland Tree-Huggers!! National League baseball just 3 hours away.....SWEEEEEEEEEETT!! __________________ Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"

11-08-2004, 08:35 AM	#20
ctorg Global Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 9,848	Um, I don't think the new Washington team will be immediately competitive. I think they'll take a bit of a building approach. They won't want to spend enormous amounts of money on players before figuring out what kind of fan base they'll have. At least I don't think so. __________________ My music "When the trees blow back and forth, that's what makes the wind." - Steven Wright Fjord emena pancreas thorax fornicate marmalade morpheme proteolysis smaxa cabana offal srue vitriol grope hallelujah lentils