The good news is that the stadium proposal will pass. The bad news is that it is going to pass with a requirement that 1/2 the stadium financing comes from the private sector. There's a deadline where if the council doesn't approve a package certified by the CFO, the deal is dead (actually, the council may not actually have to approve it, it may only be that it gets to them. I wasn't too clear on that, but I'm sure the news tomorrow will clear it up). This would have to be approved by next year's council, which may not even want to foot 50% of the bill.It's like Linda Cropp doesn't even know tomorrow's my birthday. I really thought all the uncertainty was going to end tonight. I almost hope Bowden does something dumb tomorrow to take my mind off all this.
UPDATE in the comments. I don't know why I did it that way either.
7 comments:
More and more, I sense the 2005 Washington Nationals will be our generation's 1969 Seattle Pilots. (Shudder.)
I can't post right now, so here's kind of an update:
-They cancelled the uniform event at ESPNZone. That ain't a good sign.
-The Post seems to think this kills the Nats, and many agree, including the Mayor. Jack Evans sounds optimistic, though (http://www.wtop.com/?sid=363064&nid=398).
-The Post has a letter from the Nats that actually sounds conciliatory (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/documents/121404nationalsletter.pdf). What it comes down to is that MLB doesn't care where the money comes from as long as it doesn't come from them.
It's not time to give up just yet. MLB has yet to weigh in officially. After that happens, maybe we can start giving up.
My impression was that MLB didn't want private financing because of the precedent it would set -- it wasn't just an issue of making sure the money's there, but also of setting a pattern so that owners would never be expected to pony up dough. Selig was reportedly unhappy about the whole San Francisco stadium deal for that reason -- the precedent it sets for what cities can expect from owners. But the letter suggests that perhaps the owners (like those of us observing) are so sick of this, and want it settled, that setting precedent will be less important than just getting a workable deal done. If so, perhaps there is a glimmer of hope left.
Meanwhile, stock up on those caps -- the could be valuable collectors items, like my 1986/87ish Senators t-shirt from one of DC's previous flirtations with baseball.
I just wanted to let you know that William World News has a special afternoon update today that includes a scorecard of who thinks Nats beyond '05 are dead or alive. Many D.C. baseball bloggers are featured.
http://www.yurasko.net/wfy/
http://lindacroppsux.blogspot.com/
All Nats' promotional and business operations will cease imediately, per DuPuy. Good job, Linda. Nice bluff. They'll be awarded to Vegas by April. We're finished, unless the Council recants by 12/31. THERE IS NO HOPE AFTER 12/31.
"The legislation approved by the District of Columbia City Council last night does not reflect the agreement we signed and relied upon after being invited by District leaders to consider Washington as a home for Major League Baseball. The legislation is inconsistent with our carefully negotiated agreement and is wholly unacceptable to Major League Baseball.
"Because our stadium agreement provides for a December 31, 2004 deadline, we will not entertain offers for permanent relocation of the club until that deadline passes. In the meantime, the club's baseball operations will proceed, but its business and promotional activities will cease until further notice. We thank the fans of Washington, D.C. for their support and enthusiasm, but given the present uncertainty, any ticket purchaser who entrusted us with a deposit may request a refund through the club's ticket office."
lindacroppsux.blogspot.com
Post a Comment