Next Move Or Expansion

[Lights Out]

I agree, but due to the failure of the Expos, I don't really see the MLB wanting a second Canadian team again.

[McCall]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

[rams80]

I agree, but due to the failure of the Expos, I don't really see the MLB wanting a second Canadian team again.

Montreal didn't fail as a market. It was killed. There is a difference.

[bosrs1]

NBA.

Kings - Anahiem

Clippers - Las Vegas

MLB.

Expansion - Charlotte

Expansion - Vancouver

First off, the Clippers are profitable in the #2 media market in the country and have a favorable lease at Staples. I don't know why people always think they're going to move - other than the franchise's poor history and reputation, which is not a valid reason to relocate - because there is no way that Sterling is going to move the Clippers anytime soon.

Second of all, the Kings in Anaheim? LA has two teams. A third team in a nearby city/suburb/whatever would be a complete disaster.

Thirdly, Vancouver? In the MLB? Keep dreaming.

I think you underestimate the likelihood of the Kings going to Anaheim. Remember that the Honda Center is over 30 miles from the Staples Center and in terms of time both arenas are more than 2 hours apart during most game times. The Orange County market particularly south of Anaheim (including San Diego) is actually very under served by the NBA. A team in Anaheim could end up being very successful if just because fans in the OC could actually get to games now.

[The_Admiral]

But they want to go to Lakers games. Because they follow the Lakers.

[Lights Out]

Or alternatively, some poor tortured souls like myself might prefer to go to Clippers games, because they follow the Clippers.

[Lee.]

Or just can't afford Laker tickets.

[bosrs1]

But they want to go to Lakers games. Because they follow the Lakers.

True some do, but some don't follow anyone right now, and others don't follow closely due to inconvenience (both distance/traffic and price) and would follow a closer team. To say nothing of the folks in SD who might actually follow the NBA again if there is a team within reasonable driving distance again.

[crashcarson15]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

[bosrs1]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

One word, stadium. Where would you expect them to play? Because so far BC hasn't been able to even get their soccer stadium lined up.

[Lee.]

Maybe not, but BC Place is gonna be pretty kickin' rad when it's finished.

[McCall]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

One word, stadium. Where would you expect them to play? Because so far BC hasn't been able to even get their soccer stadium lined up.

Another word: support. The Grizzlies couldn't survive there and they required less than 20k a night for 41 nights a season. You think some baseball team in hockey country is gonna all of a sudden draw 30k+ a night, 81 nights a season? No. Portland is still at the top despite the MiLB stadium issues (they'd have a better shot with an MLB stadium, not saying they'd get one, cuz ultimately that's what's desired there the most).

And yes, all those other locations, as crazy and unlikely as they are, are still thought of as being ahead of Vancouver. Some more I forgot; Sacramento, New Orleans, Salt Lake City. Again, cities that don't really have a shot, but are more likely to have one before Vancouver. Even now-poor Vegas too.

[bosrs1]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

One word, stadium. Where would you expect them to play? Because so far BC hasn't been able to even get their soccer stadium lined up.

Another word: support. The Grizzlies couldn't survive there and they required less than 20k a night for 41 nights a season. You think some baseball team in hockey country is gonna all of a sudden draw 30k+ a night, 81 nights a season? No. Portland is still at the top despite the MiLB stadium issues (they'd have a better shot with an MLB stadium, not saying they'd get one, cuz ultimately that's what's desired there the most).

And yes, all those other locations, as crazy and unlikely as they are, are still thought of as being ahead of Vancouver. Some more I forgot; Sacramento, New Orleans, Salt Lake City. Again, cities that don't really have a shot, but are more likely to have one before Vancouver. Even now-poor Vegas too.

No I'll stop you there. Vancouver has a better shot than Vegas. MLB will go to Vegas about 5 minutes after hell freezes over and the devil wears Prada.

[FiddySicks]

I still feel that of all the likely spots to get an MLB team, somehow Sacramento is going to find a way to pull it off. Not so much because it's the most prime location available, but because it's easily the most feasible. Portland, Las Vegas, Charlotte, San Antonio, and even Vancouver are probably better spots for a pro baseball club. But considering how easy the move would be and that the Giants have a stranglehold over the San Jose market, The A's to Sacramento could be a quick and relatively inexpensive move.

[crashcarson15]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

One word, stadium. Where would you expect them to play? Because so far BC hasn't been able to even get their soccer stadium lined up.

Another word: support. The Grizzlies couldn't survive there and they required less than 20k a night for 41 nights a season. You think some baseball team in hockey country is gonna all of a sudden draw 30k+ a night, 81 nights a season? No. Portland is still at the top despite the MiLB stadium issues (they'd have a better shot with an MLB stadium, not saying they'd get one, cuz ultimately that's what's desired there the most).

And yes, all those other locations, as crazy and unlikely as they are, are still thought of as being ahead of Vancouver. Some more I forgot; Sacramento, New Orleans, Salt Lake City. Again, cities that don't really have a shot, but are more likely to have one before Vancouver. Even now-poor Vegas too.

Sacramento, maybe. But only if they lose the Kings first. On that same front though, New Orleans is about to lose their basketball team, similar to Vancouver you say. So why would they be a better shot than Vancouver? Part of the reason the Grizzlies drew like in Vancouver was because of how terrible the team was. The Hornets are one of the better teams in the NBA and have one of the Top 5 players in the league. Difference? I think so. Post-Katrina, New Orleans' economy still hasn't fully recovered, and they've proven they can't support an NBA team that well for 41 home games, how would an MLB team (where you need to draw more than for NBA) for 81 games really work there? SLC could work though, but I don't think it'll happen anytime soon.

[bosrs1]

I still feel that of all the likely spots to get an MLB team, somehow Sacramento is going to find a way to pull it off. Not so much because it's the most prime location available, but because it's easily the most feasible. Portland, Las Vegas, Charlotte, San Antonio, and even Vancouver are probably better spots for a pro baseball club. But considering how easy the move would be and that the Giants have a stranglehold over the San Jose market, The A's to Sacramento could be a quick and relatively inexpensive move.

Problem Sac has is that they can't even get an arena built for their current team. And can't support their current team with only 14k a game going to the Kings currently. There's no way they'd be able to support an MLB team as well as other options.

[crashcarson15]

I still feel that of all the likely spots to get an MLB team, somehow Sacramento is going to find a way to pull it off. Not so much because it's the most prime location available, but because it's easily the most feasible. Portland, Las Vegas, Charlotte, San Antonio, and even Vancouver are probably better spots for a pro baseball club. But considering how easy the move would be and that the Giants have a stranglehold over the San Jose market, The A's to Sacramento could be a quick and relatively inexpensive move.

Problem Sac has is that they can't even get an arena built for their current team. And can't support their current team with only 14k a game going to the Kings currently. There's no way they'd be able to support an MLB team as well as other options.

For what it's worth, the RiverCats' stadium in Sacto is expandable to MLB-size and quality and they draw pretty well IIRC. I think they'll lose the Kings but gain the Athletics. Just a hunch though.

[knnhrvy16]

Vancouver is a growing city, and baseball is still quite popular in Canada (though I don't know if it's as big out west as it is in Ontario and Quebec). I'd rather see the AL make a go of Vancouver than Charlotte or Portland, to be honest.

MLB has no interest in Vancouver, at least not before other markets. Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio are the next 3 sites most likely. Norfolk, Indy, hell even New Jersey and Mexico would be considered before Vancouver. If MLB goes back to Canada for a 2nd team, a revival of the Expos would be it, and we all know the likelihood of that happening.

No way. There's no way MLB would go to a city already shared by the Cubs, Reds, White Sox, and Cardinals. Norfolk just doesn't have the businesses. Portland has no money to build a stadium, Charlotte's got two teams already, which is enough for a city their size, but I could see San Antonio. But the issue would be the television deals there. Jersey's not gonna happen because of the same reason, and there's no way in hell with all the drug violence they'd go to Mexico. Vancouver gives them a city with only one major league team, and probably a city that would be willing to host it. There wouldn't be issues with the TV deal either. I think it could definitely work.

One word, stadium. Where would you expect them to play? Because so far BC hasn't been able to even get their soccer stadium lined up.

Another word: support. The Grizzlies couldn't survive there and they required less than 20k a night for 41 nights a season. You think some baseball team in hockey country is gonna all of a sudden draw 30k+ a night, 81 nights a season? No. Portland is still at the top despite the MiLB stadium issues (they'd have a better shot with an MLB stadium, not saying they'd get one, cuz ultimately that's what's desired there the most).

And yes, all those other locations, as crazy and unlikely as they are, are still thought of as being ahead of Vancouver. Some more I forgot; Sacramento, New Orleans, Salt Lake City. Again, cities that don't really have a shot, but are more likely to have one before Vancouver. Even now-poor Vegas too.

The optimistic part of me sees this happening eventually. Eventually, meaning quite a few years down the road. Give it some time and let SLC grow a little more, and you've got a market that will work.

Fan support isn't/shouldn't be a problem, as the Jazz are well supported year in and year out, as is RSL. Baseball is also ALOT bigger in Utah than people give it credit for, and I can say that truthfully having played in high school. People flock to high school games, as well as to games of the minor league cities like Salt Lake, Ogden, and Orem. Utahns love thier sports, so I don't foresee any support problems whatsoever. I just think time is all that's needed, as SLC is still growing. Give it 7-10 years (perhaps a little more) and you've got a ready market in my mind.

I will throw this in there, if Salt Lake DOES eventually get a team, they have to be named the Bees. There is too much history with that name in the minor leagues to pass it up.

[Lee.]

The Grizzlies also fell victim to a weak Canadian dollar, over and above the incredibly piss-poor management of Stu Jackson.

It didn't help that they had to paper the hell out of the arena just to look like they had 13000 in there, but that's beside the point.

[McCall]

Sactown's best shot (and maybe only shot) is the A's. And if they do finally end up moving, they're a very real possibility. I think they and MLB would look at making a deal with the Giants to allow the A's to move to San Jose as a first option (that, being after staying in Oakland). Sacramento and Portland seem to be the next preferences. I honestly don't see the A's really going anywhere else other than those 3 now that Vegas isn't an option.

In addition to Portland, Sacramento and San Jose, San Antonio and Charlotte are the next top choices for realignmet or expansion (which too isn't really on the radar at this time). There is no one who has even looked at moving to Vancouver, much less expanding there. I'm know it's a great sports city but MLB is just not looking there at the moment.