Goodyear likely interested if Reds exit Fla.
Carrie Watters and Jessica Coomes
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 14, 2007 06:57 AM
Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for
renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' spring training facility, which leaves the
team looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering whether it could
snare another Florida team.
Goodyear is among the Arizona cities that could handle another ballclub. Mayor
Jim Cavanaugh said he likes the idea of another Ohio team in Goodyear to join
the Cleveland Indians in 2009.
"Goodyear, I'm sure, would love to have the Reds," Cavanaugh said.
"The Ohio competition is really exciting. Ohio is known for its great
sports fans. They come, they visit, they enjoy sports, and they spend
money."
But for now, eyes are on Tucson, where the Chicago White Sox need to find a
replacement team to get out of their lease and move to the West Valley. The Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers plan to play in Glendale in 2009.
"We would love to have the Reds in the Cactus League. The logical place,
considering the dynamics, would be Tucson Electric Park," said Brad
Wright, an Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority board member who heads the
Cactus League committee. "The first priority is a commitment to Tucson and the White Sox to make sure they can meet their obligation there."
The White Sox had no comment, and the Reds are keeping mum on staying in
Florida or moving to Arizona.
"We are considering all of our options, including Arizona," Reds
spokesman Rob Butcher said. "We don't feel it is in anyone's best
interests to discuss publicly any aspect of our business decisions."
enlarge image
Voters in Sarasota, Fla., recently rejected paying for
renovations to the Cincinnati Reds' training stadium, which leaves the team
looking for a new spring home - and Arizona wondering if it could snare another
Florida team.
