Dodgers may move training site to Ariz.

Dback Jon

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PHOENIX - The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly negotiating with the city of Glendale to relocate their spring training operations from Florida to Arizona.


The Arizona Republic reported Tuesday that the Dodgers would play in a new publicly financed stadium in Glendale that could be shared with the Chicago White Sox, who are thinking of moving their spring operations from Tucson.

The Glendale City Council will meet Wednesday to discuss and potentially act on the plan, according to the newspaper, which said the Dodgers and White Sox must execute formal agreements with the city and possibly a private developer.

The Dodgers would not discuss their plans publicly other than to confirm talks with Glendale over a memorandum of understanding to move to a new stadium. The team will "explore all options," said Camille Johnston, the Dodgers' senior vice president of communications.

The Dodgers have trained in Vero Beach, Fla., since 1948 — nine years before the team moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.

The team's stadium lease with Indian River County does not expire until 2021. But the Dodgers have the option of opting out of the lease if the team buys the stadium or pays off the county's bonds.

"They are dealing with Arizona because they're a team from the West Coast," said Michael Zito, Indian River County's assistant county administrator, who met with Dodgers' officials Monday.

The White Sox have trained at $38 million Tucson Electric Park since 1998 and they share that spring facility with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf called Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry on Friday to let him know a proposal to move could be forthcoming.

But Huckleberry said the county has a contract with the White Sox that runs through 2013 and the team must satisfy the county with a replacement team if they opt to leave early.

Meanwhile, the city of Goodyear and the Cleveland Indians also are seeking money from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to build a $77.5 million spring training stadium.

The state will hold a public hearing Friday to begin considering the Goodyear/Indians' proposal.
 

HooverDam

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huh? How is more teams coming here for Spring Training a bad thing? Especially a team thats close by that has such a big following? I think this would be a huge get, if the Cactus League could ever get the StL Cards as well, I think they'd be set and have a very nice stable of teams.
 

Ryanwb

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huh? How is more teams coming here for Spring Training a bad thing? Especially a team thats close by that has such a big following? I think this would be a huge get, if the Cactus League could ever get the StL Cards as well, I think they'd be set and have a very nice stable of teams.

I just don't like the Dodgers :D
 

devilfan02

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huh? How is more teams coming here for Spring Training a bad thing? Especially a team thats close by that has such a big following? I think this would be a huge get, if the Cactus League could ever get the StL Cards as well, I think they'd be set and have a very nice stable of teams.

:barf:

Ughhhhh, nothings worse then Dodger AND Cardinal fans. Yuck
 

HooverDam

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:barf:

Ughhhhh, nothings worse then Dodger AND Cardinal fans. Yuck

They have very loyal, dedicated fans who are willing to travel. Thats why we need them in the Cactus League, having those teams would be good for Arizona.
 

MigratingOsprey

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you knew that had to be one of the teams glendale was in negoiations with - just makes sense for the dodgers to have a team here and to have a stadium close to the 10 and one the westside of the city

would be a good move by glendale and the cactus league - just don't want anything to go wrong with goodyear though
 

Stallion

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I'd feel bad for Vero Beach losing the Dodgers after almost 60 years, but this would be great for the state of Arizona.
 

FinleyLover

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Dont hold your breath on this one. The news here in Tucson reported last night that the city attorney is involved and saying that the Sox have a binding contract thru 2013, not 2009 as previously stated. They cannot leave without express consent by the city and part of that is a replacement team of equivalent value/caliber (i.e. not the Royals et al). They would also be liable for some $28 million in staduim costs and also the financial impact during spring training (their share is around 10 mil) for lost city revenue. The attorney said that they would consider suing the Sox if they continue to persue this move...
Either way, it doens't sound like things are going to be warm and fuzzy between the Sox and the city of Tucson. The news also said that the Rockies contract with High Corbett field is contingent upon there being at least two other Major League teams here for ST. If one goes, they will consider bailing also. That would leave the lone Dbacks in Tucson- but for how long?
Hang on- this could be a bumpy ride.
 

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