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Naples is a very nice place. I believe the cubs would be a great fit for Spring Training there. This area has been hit hard by foreclosures but so has Arizona. I just think the Cubs need a change. I would love to see the Red Sox 6 times a spring. Florida offers more for me. Plus I have family in Southwest Florida. I wonder if the real estate market will comeback? What does everybody think?
I like it Hamlin and you're right Naples is right around the corner from Ft Myers you would see a lot of the Twins too, the trouble is these Florida cities are so spread out, that I wouldn't be surprised to see more teams start training in Arizona.
My understanding, after discussing it with a couple of front office types in Arizona this past spring, was that Arizona offered better deals for the teams to move there. This included building extensive practice sites, plus providing financial incentives.
I believe that Florida generally wasn't too sorry to see some teams move out, because of the land boom that was taking place through the mid-2000's. I believe that some communities found it more lucrative to develop land the ball fields were occupying, and felt that more tax revenue would be realized from alternative development.
the cubs aren't going anywhere - just some business and politics going on in mesa
also, don't expect AZ to lure many more teams in - they are happy with their # and the revenues to draw further teams have dried up
what you are going to see is the last straglers get out of tucson and having all the spring training in the phoenix metro (I currently have access to 5 stadiums and 9 teams within 25 minutes of my house - i like it)
probably the only other team out there that I can think of that would be attractive to AZ that isn't currently here is MN
i think either chicago team would do equally well either in AZ or FL
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Personally, I think they should move to Naples, Italy. It might also make a great vacation spot for them after their 2010 elimination.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aardvarks
I like it Hamlin and you're right Naples is right around the corner from Ft Myers you would see a lot of the Twins too, the trouble is these Florida cities are so spread out, that I wouldn't be surprised to see more teams start training in Arizona.
I don't think the locations should make much of a difference no matter what the teams are, aardvarks. My feeling is that Spring Training still brings in the bucks for businesses. It would be a mistake for Florida to lose any more teams to Arizona just to put something else in.
se44;12091447]Personally, I think they should move to Naples, Italy. It might also make a great vacation spot for them after their 2010 elimination.[/b]
I don't think the locations should make much of a difference no matter what the teams are, aardvarks. My feeling is that Spring Training still brings in the bucks for businesses. It would be a mistake for Florida to lose any more teams to Arizona just to put something else in.
LOL, Case
I can't speak personally about Arizona, since I have been there yet, but I've heard the teams are all in close proximity to one another. That's definitely not the case in Fla. 3 or 4 hour bus rides are the norm down there.
My understanding, after discussing it with a couple of front office types in Arizona this past spring, was that Arizona offered better deals for the teams to move there. This included building extensive practice sites, plus providing financial incentives.
I believe that Florida generally wasn't too sorry to see some teams move out, because of the land boom that was taking place through the mid-2000's. I believe that some communities found it more lucrative to develop land the ball fields were occupying, and felt that more tax revenue would be realized from alternative development.
Regarding Florida, how sad. Spring training baseball had been a cash cow there for years. It's like, now, they want to wish it away???! Exactly what is the thinking with Floridians?
And the Cubs are just fine where they are at. If Florida is going to change their baseball stance, then teams considering going there might as well stay in Arizona.
The fact that there are far less rainouts in AZ is also a big appeal, along with the close proximity of many of the teams.
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