According to Sarasota Herald Tribune, an initiative to keep the Reds is gaining support.
There are hurdles to clear, but it is still good news.
The result is a new "alternative stadium plan concept," put together over the past month in discussions between city, county and Reds officials. It calls for a $41 million rebuild of Ed Smith Stadium. City and county commissioners will vote whether to move it forward at separate meetings next Tuesday. If it passes, the city, the county and the Reds have 45 days to come up with a finalized agreement.When I was in Sarasota last month, some people seemed to just be grasping what losing the Reds would mean to the hospitality industry. The team, along with its minor league entities, brings a lot of money and commerce to teh area, and the area is going through economic hardships at the moment. We'll see what happens. I think the Reds -- along with Reds fans -- are hoping the team and Sarasota get something worked out. As John Allen said in the linked article, the Reds aren't looking for "the best deal" financially, instead, they're looking for the best overall experience. Jon Leiber has signed with the Cubs.
While it doesn't make a difference to me as I am not the travelling kind, it seems like the best option for the Reds would be Sarasota. Hopefully they get something worked out.
I really hope this does get worked out. I used to go to Sarasota/Siesta Key yearly with the fam (back when they were the Sara Sox), and Ed Smith really is a fun place to watch a game. I'm working on a Spring Training trip there as we speak.
the boss & i are heading to Sarasota for our first-ever spring training games. she's more into birdwatching than baseball, but i was able to convince her that Sarasota was a terrific vacation venue because of all there is to do.
personally, i am looking forward to First Watch and Maria's Chicken (and now i am wishing i had printed off Trent's travelogue from last year), Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and trying to avoid baking myself lobster red.
i guess the sunburn is easily obtainable in Phoenix/Goodyear too, and the birding is better; but, Sarasota is an EASY 2 day drive, and seems a lot safer. i haven't priced any Phoenix hotels, but with what we're paying in Sarasota this is gonna be a once in a lifetime trip for us.
anyway, i'm glad to have the chance to go this year - as it may be my last best chance.
I think I am in the minority here -- but, Arizona ain't bad. In some important ways, it's better.
Other teams are moving TO Arizona for good reasons. Aside from pure economic reasons, you are assured that the weather will be good for games there. If, like many folks, you can only get away for a long weekend, it's a total bummer when it's rainy and/or extra-humid in Florida as it is prone to be. The weather can ruin your trip -- without even mentioning the large gators and even larger palmetto bugs.
For selfish reasons, I hope things work out in Sarasota. I have a brother in law who lives in Florida, so I have a good reason to convince my wife and familty to make the trip some year for spring break.
I've said this before on CTR's blog and on Fay's, but I'm a big fan of Sarasota and Ed Smith Stadium and hope the Reds stay put. Both the city and the stadium have charm and character, and the travel is easy. Rooting BIG TIME for this to work out.
My son and I will see the Reds play three games in three different cities/stadiums in March, including one game at Ed Smith. Can't wait.
Well, I guess we aren't interested in signing any FA pitchers at all. Supply is definately washed up.
How's the job search going?
DD - Sounds like the Reds were in the mix, but Lieber wanted to return to Chicago. It's too bad because that was a very reasonable contract he signed with Chicago.
We can't really blame Reds management for not signing more UFA pitchers if -- truthfully -- the pitcher is only using the Reds (and/or other teams) to get a better offer from the team with which he intends to sign.
I hate to sound like Mr. Redlegs ... believe me (rim shot) ... but, at the present time, Cincinnati will not be the preferred destination of many quality UFAs. Most of the time, the Reds will just get used by the UFA's agent.
It's not a hopeless situation. It just puts a premium on talent evaluation, drafting and the farm system -- and these are supposed to be the Kriv-dawg's specialties. That and, of course, personal warmth and small talk.
The (minor) irony is that Lieber was bad. He was getting booed by his own fans. We aren't talking about the Cubs signing the Jon Lieber of 10 years ago. It's today. And I'm thinking the Reds will enjoy hitting off him.
"And I’m thinking the Reds will enjoy hitting off him."
That's a nice sentiment Redscoop, but Lieber has lit us up like a tree on Christmas morning the last couple of years. Hopefully that trend will change, though.
A statement made by Pinella jumped out at me.
"We're going to have probably seven or eight starters in camp and that's the right number," manager Lou Piniella said Wednesday during a stop on the team's winter tour.
How many starters do the Reds have? 2.5?
jshortt -- That's why it will be fun to see what happens. This is our GM's estimate of a guy versus another team's estimate of a guy.
Lieber could kill the Reds again. Or K-dawg could sign Hernandez ... who could give us 200 innings ... and no one would even remember Lieber (who may be cut by mid-season.)
The other point someone made also seems to be true. Lieber wasn't going to sign with the Reds. Period. Ever. Unless Krivsky gave him "Lohse money" (ie, $10m)
flard, the Cubs' starting pitchers going into spring training are as follows(I might be missing someone):
Carlos Zambrano
Ted Lilly
Rich Hill
Jason Marquis
Jon Lieber
Ryan Dempster
Sean Marshall
and probably someone else I can't think of.
The Reds have going into Spring training with the following starting pitchers to choose from:
Aaron Harang
Bronson Arroyo
Matt Belisle
Homer Bailey
Edinson Volquez
Johnny Cueto
Tom Shearn
Matt Maloney
Maloney and Cueto more likely than not being cut to minor league spring training halfway through. The Reds have plenty of starters to look at, obviously only 3 appear to be favorites to get a spot(2 are locks). The 2 locks are obviously Harangatang and Arroyo. The third guy I'd be surprised to see them leave spring training not in the rotation would be Matt Belisle. The cubs have 4 set pitchers in Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, and Lieber. Unless Lieber can lock into old man magic and recreate what he did for the Cubs already, I can't see him being much better than Belisle or Bailey.
It'd be wonderful to see another pitcher thrown into the rotation but I don't want to see Krivdawg wasting money to spend it so the screaming fans will be appeased until said pitcher stinks it up. Livan can give innings but he's prone to the long ball and with this team it will be a killer. Then again I could be all wrong. Basically I don't understand the idea of signing a pitcher just to say you went out and bought someone and "tried." With all that said the most likely candidate I can see coming to the Reds and not for a whole lot would be Tomko. He loved Cincinnati(He's an Ohio boy..northeastern but still Ohio) and wants to come back and while I love that kind of enthusiasism I can't help but think he would just be decimated. He got beat up in west coast pitchers parks.
imaredsfan - If the wife wants to take in some bird watching, might I suggest Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This is a world class rookery, seasonal nesting area for some of the rarest wading birds anywhere, and is run by the National Audobon Society. It is also home to the Florida scrub jay (very rare) and a few tropical transients. It is located app. 17 miles east of exit 111 off I-75 near Naples. My father never makes a trip down without a visit over there. I doubt central Az. can provide any better opportunities. Another good bet is Rookery Bay Wildlife Area on CR951 about 15 miles before it ends on Marco Island. You can bird watch from a rental kayak there. Lotsa' coastal birds around in March and some bald eagles.
dawginnaples,
THANKS! and she thought i was just wasting time...
Hey, did anyone go to the Reds caravan last year? I'm thinking about going to the one at Flanagan's in Columbus next Thursday. Is it a pretty good time? I gotta let you know, I really don't get into the whole autograph thing too much. It's cool to see the players, and hear the questions and answers just wondering if you guys would recommend it or not. Anyone going to the one in Columbus?
You can also see Orioles in Ft. Lauderdale and Cardinals in St. Pete. ;)
I forgot the "Ding" Darling Wildlife area on Sannibel Island. It's named after and started by the artist who created the Federal Duck Stamp program.
Maybe I'll see some of y'all at the "Ed" on 3-29 or the Minnesota Twins park in Fort Myers on 3-20
I hope they stay in Sarasota, too. I like Arizona just fine, but it's a lot farther away.
I am thinking about going down for spring training this year. Got some vacation time to kill, but gas prices are brutal.
I'd also like to see Bok Sanctuary. I've heard a lot about it, but never been there.
Bubbafan, I considered driving, too--but like you said, the gas prices are brutal--if you figure in a hotel stay on the way there & back as well, it's cheaper to fly. From here, anyway.
I could fly, but if I do, I'd probably have to rent a car for the week when I got there. Plus, flying is just such a pain these days. If I drive, I don't have to worry about whether I have more than 3 oz. of lip gloss, or too many batteries for my camera.
If I drive, I don’t have to worry about whether I have more than 3 oz. of lip gloss. . . .
I . . . I . . . I just can't say it. I want to, but I just can't. :)
Hi, Mr. RL! We've been missing your finely-stitched noggin around here!
(Amy: Noggan? Noggin? Help.)
Mr. Redlegs, I know where you're going with that, and I would like to extend a heart-felt thanks for not 'going there.'
Looks like I'll be at The Ed for games the week after Easter (3/22-29). Maybe I'll bump into a few of you.
EDavis44, the caravan is usually a good time. If you're not into the whole autograph thing, the Q & A session is always cool, and with Brandon Phillips on the northern leg this year, you're in for some fun. I've never been to Columbus, so I can't speak for it, but I know the Lexington stops have been great.
Scoop, you had it right. Don't doubt yourself! And excellent bird joke earlier :)
I know what you mean, Bubbafan--my way of dealing with it is to automatically check a bag--even if it's just a couple days' stay somewhere.
And Mr. Redlegs, you keep that finely-stitched noggin of yours out of the gutter!!
EDavis44, I'm thinking of going to the one at Flanagan's too. I've never been before either, but it's an excuse to go out and have beers with other Reds fans right?
I'd love to go to one of the caravan's. Spring training 27 days away. Hot damn.
Trent any news yet?
You guys have a beer for me at Flanagan's. I just can't go on a school night--upsets too many little people's schedules.
Amy, BOOOO!!! Boo you for being a grown-up with responsibilities besides the Reds. I laugh in the face of school nights! ;-)
I know, I know...what was I thinking having all these children?? They really cut into my bar time!
I nominate ED as our roving reporter for the event.
Amy did you take the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks?
No, not yet--although I'm a big fan of Earl :) Last thing we saw was National Treasure 2 (not as horrible as the critics said, but it kinda bugged me that Ed Harris' faux Southern drawl was sometimes there and sometimes not).
Has anyone been to the art museum in Sarasota? I'm planning things for the mornings, even though it's more likely that in the absence of my responsibilities, I'll probably just sleep until lunchtime and then head for the ballpark....
I'd be happy to check in on Friday if I go on Thursday. You'll all have to bear with me though, I'm not known for my incredible memory when it comes to word-for-word accounts of things. We'll see how it goes.
ED my memory is so bad I tell the guys who work for me their lucky I remember to put pants on in the morning. If I'm this bad at 32 I may not be remembering at 40.
Amy and Va - I took our youngest two to see the Chipmunks over the holidays. It was okay; I've definitely sat through worse. The kids, however, enjoyed it.
Did anyone see the EdE homer last night on Sportscenter?
Just saw that homer. Nice that Edwin is playing well offensively(not sure how his defense has been).
For those that missed it like I did follow this link to watch it...
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=deportes&videoId=3202591&n8pe6c=1
if the link doens't work for whatever reason. Just go to ESPN.com then the video page, then the espn deportes videos, then beisbol, then click on the video that says Liga Dominicana: Águiles 8-Tigers 3
Thanks for posting. For the most part I had no idea what they were saying, but it sounded cool.
Hi, everybody! I've got to remember to check in here. Nice to see so many of you here.
Since I live in Florida, I obviously hope the Reds stay here. Sarasota is a beautiful part of the state and not as crowded as the major tourist areas. One of my favorite bumper stickers, "Why do they call it tourist season if you're not allowed to shoot them?"
Some of our old trolls are hanging out on Fay's blog now so I get to have an occasional intellectual exchange with them. Right now the favorite is Kriv-bashing and doom and gloom predictions about the upcoming season plus the Bedard vs. standing pat issue.
Just went to Bok sanctuary when my son and daughter-in-law visited from Seattle. Very nice. There is less and less nature left in Florida.
Maybe I'll see some of ya'll at spring training.
Hey Hudy:
I think the best bumper sticker is "When I retire I'm gonna move up north and drive real sloowww!"
I thought Trent would have a BIG announcement by now!
Great to see EE bash one about a mile... thanks for the link Phill.
Five weeks and counting
Great video of EE. One of our broadcasters needs to add "Adios, Senora" to his call vocabulary. I think Brantley could pull it off.
Only 5 weeks!! And about 2 months till my trip to FL! It's almost TOO exciting :)
Trent, you're very quiet. Still waiting to hear about the out-of-town job?
forgot to mention that WINK news(local CBS) reported the REDS had inquired about interest in a spring training and GCL team facility in Lee county which is Ft. Myers/Cape Coral/Lehigh Acres. Cape Coral mayor Eric Piepthaler (sp) indicated back that he doubted a deal could be worked out "in today's economy". Darn-that's real close to Naples.
Wow, it's like old home week around here tonight. Or was that last night? Or is that yesterday? Hell, I dunno.
C'mon, no one can be allowed to make a lip gloss remark without the inappropriately corresponding wisecrack in return.
But yet Mr. R something is missing. Still no Patrick, Clueless, or Al. Now that's a party.
Rumor out of DC that the Nats are looking to move Felipe Lopez and possibly Austin Kearns. At this point wouldn't think it would take much for a team to pick up Lopez.
EE had 2 x 3 run hr and 7 rbi last night in game 2 of the DR winter league finals..
I'm really hoping that he breaks out big time this year in Cincy..
From Ken Rosenthal
"The Reds, striking a bargain with one of the top remaining free-agent pitchers, have reached preliminary agreement with left-hander Jeremy Affeldt on a one-year, $3 million contract, according to major-league sources."