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Here in Tampa, the news was running wild a few weeks ago about how the Rays were about to pack up and head out (Can't say I blame them). I started thinking what would be the next MLB city? Will it be past glory Expos or a new city? Thoughts?
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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Maybe Charlotte or Portland. I think many cities have a bigger appetite for getting an NFL team rather than MLB though.
Montreal didn't work out for the Expos, I can't see them returning there as they still have that crappy stadium from the 70's. I don't see them investing in a new ballpark.
Last edited by Champ le monstre du lac; 11-16-2014 at 01:12 PM..
I would imagine Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis, San Antonio, or Indianapolis being the strongest candidates.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Desert_SW_77
Maybe Portland. I think many cities have a bigger appetite for getting an NFL team rather than MLB though.
Portland's a good one too. And as for the NFL over MLB thing, I don't quite understand that-it costs more to build an NFL stadium, which unless it's multi-purpose is used far less often than an MLB stadium, thus bringing in less revenue for the host city and surrounding businesses. For long-term benefits, MLB is far better for a city's economy.
I wouldn't mind seeing Portland get an MLB franchise. If the city continues to grow than maybe we will see one in the future. It will certianly a great rivalry between the Seattle Mariners.
A side note, I would love to see Philly get a 2nd MLB team again. Of course the city's population was over 2 million at that time but now the Philly sports market is reaching 8 million people, which is much larger than it was back in 1950 when the Athletics still played in Philly.
I would imagine Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis, San Antonio, or Indianapolis being the strongest candidates.
Portland's a good one too. And as for the NFL over MLB thing, I don't quite understand that-it costs more to build an NFL stadium, which unless it's multi-purpose is used far less often than an MLB stadium, thus bringing in less revenue for the host city and surrounding businesses. For long-term benefits, MLB is far better for a city's economy.
MLB is definitely better for a city's economy than the NFL...or at least less detrimental. There are major problems with MLB from an owner's perspective though, which is really what matters:
-the playing field is less level. Big market teams tend to dominate. This year is somewhat different. More of the exception to the rule. The Cards also have a great formula, but they might have the greatest brand value in MLB within their market (not nationally). They can afford to be patient because they have the undying loyalty of a big local fan base.
-MLB sucks up a lot of entertainment dollars, so clubs are really dependent upon market size too. 81 home games consume about 2x the entertainment expenditures of NFL, NHL, or NBA.
If you're an investor looking to move a sports franchise, you'll get your stadium for free (or very close to it) in any sport. An investor wanting to make money (or control losses) will just need to keep costs under control while remaining competitive. That's a lot easier to do in a salary cap league.
IMO, this is why you see NBA/NHL/NFL expansion and relo a lot more. Smaller markets are more "in play", so owners have leverage to get good stadium deals and more markets to turn to.
Indy is a good example: very much into basketball and football and the owners got what they wanted in their venues to retain them. Indy isn't a baseball town and talk of MLB ever coming to the area is pretty much non-existent. Hasn't been in play since about 1984, when people realized the old Dome wasn't configured to accommodate MLB. Tweener cities like Indy with other sports aren't going to bite. Not with 2 teams already in place.
The last few moves/expansions are really, really close to no-brainers: DC (huge market), Miami and Phoenix (ditto), Denver (pretty small for 3-4 sports, but growing quick and will grow into them). Tampa was the only iffy one. Good sized market, but slow growing. Older demographic, which favors baseball. It's kind of on the bubble in terms of size and already having 2 franchises. The only cities that might make sense to me:
Portland: if they can get a stadium deal and left-leaning metros don't favor these types of deals
San Antonio or Austin: both growing a lot, especially Austin. TX loves baseball too and unlike football, the Rangers and Astros don't have the same regional grip like the Cowboys do.
Charlotte: growing a ton. Similar model to the "grow into it" philosophy of Denver.
Sacramento: if the Kings ever leave especially. CA not a stadium-friendly state though.
Vegas: if an indoor facility can be built.
Orlando: if the Rays want a close move.
Non-traditional outsiders: Mexico City, Monterrey, or San Juan
IMO out:
-saturated market for size/too small: Indy, Nashville, Birmingham, Buffalo/Rochester, Raleigh-Durham, OKC, Memphis, Louisville
-close fit from a size standpoint but too much loyalty to nearby teams: Columbus
Location: Watching half my country turn into Gilead
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Las Vegas would be the black horse pic, but it would be exciting, and makes sense economically (huge tourist base to draw from for games). Not sure the heat would necessitate an indoor stadium, though. I believe basketball has a better shot at this point, however, given the developmental league, All Star Game, and especially given Adam Silver's recent comments.
Portland is also a great pic. Rivalry with the Mariners would be a given, and Portland has the size/geographic isolation for a second team. The stadium would need a retractable roof, though.
I would imagine Birmingham, Columbus, Memphis, San Antonio, or Indianapolis being the strongest candidates.
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Neither of these cities will get an MLB team.
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). I started thinking what would be the next MLB city? Will it be past glory Expos or a new city? Thoughts? 
