FOTL update
Posted by Carl on June 11, 2008
And it’s long overdue. A few days back I mentioned I’d update FOTL, Erin Nicks. As some of you may know, Erin’s no longer writing for the Ottawa Sun. I touched on this briefly a couple of times previously, but Erin was an immense help to me when I was preparing for “Media Day” last year. She took time out of her extremely busy schedule to help a guy she didn’t know, with a mediocre blog about one of her pet causes. I’m still grateful, E. And I still owe you and the Driver a beer.
Since we’re talking about Friends of the Lynx, Dave Gross is still blogging away over at The Dave Gross Sports Blog. Neate continues writing Out of Left Field at his usual torrid pace and unmatched depth. Former Lynx employee and out of towner, Todd Devlin is seen intermittently over at The 500 Level, blogging the Jays - I’ll touch base with you on that other “matter” soon, Todd.
And I wonder if anyone is screaming at the Richmond Braves demanding to let them know what their plans are for 2009? You know - like one of those letters a city might send to a minor league ball club that appeared ready to move, contingent upon a stadium being built in Allentown another city?
However, Minor League Baseball is limited in what it can do until the Braves, who have an option to remain in Richmond in 2009, release their rights to the territory. That decision will be based on the Braves’ confidence that construction on their new ballpark in Gwinnett, which just broke ground in late April, will be completed in time for Opening Day 2009.
One industry insider said it would not be surprising to see the Braves back in Richmond considering the short time frame Gwinnett has allowed to build its ballpark.
“In a perfect world you might have a decision by the end of the season, but it may not work that way,” said Purpura, the former Astros general manager who came on board with Minor League Baseball after Pat O’Conner took over as president in January. “I think as you get toward the end of the season, you (as a baseball team) have to have an idea of where you are going to be situated for the next season for sales and marketing standpoints in the new market. On the other hand, we’re not going to tie our hands with a date. Until the Braves release the territory, there is nothing to talk about.”
Cool. Dealing with a situation like adults…
