CanAm League 2009 -- What Does the Future Hold?

[jackalsfan]

With the news released that the Nashua Pride will not return to the CanAm League due to the franchise ending....what does 2009 hold for the league?
As of now, every team besides Nashua in the league should be returning......

Has anyone heard any word on new teams?

[OttawaBallFan]

I was talking with Matt Leite, the Pride's webcaster last week during their last visit to Ottawa. He was positive the team was going to fold. I just didn't expect the team to announce it before the end of the season.

There's three possibilities for 2009:

1) The Pride's owner finds someone to buy the team and move it elsewhere.

There are a few cities which may have facilities and that would be perfect for the Can-Am. We discussed it on the Rapidz forum recently, www.rapidzfans.yuku.com/forums/58/t/Rapidz-General-Discussion.html for those interested and there is a Can-Am discussion too at www.rapidzfans.yuku.com

My choice would be Albany. No pro ball there, large city (over 1 million in metro area). They do have a stadium but it does not look very good; near airport, in need of repairs.

2) Pride owner cannot find buyer and league must take over the team which becomes the 2009 Grays. I'm not sure Nashua can find someone to buy the team so, to me, that is the most likely scenario.

3) Miles Wolff wants a team in Montreal and he wanted it for 2009. However, as far as I can determine, there is no facilities available. One was supposed to be built, but I don't think the community has decided yet on where and other other details so (again, as far as I know) no stadium construction has started yet.

Of course, they could always find a temporary place for the Pride. Trois-Rivieres I think has an old stadium.

I think the Pride will become the 2009 Grays which will then become the Montreal team for 2010, if that city gets a franchise by then.

Because if the Pride get a permanent home for 2009 and Montreal joins for 2010, the league needs to find another city to make it a ten-team league. It will be harder to find that tenth team.

On the other hand, Nashua's situation has been known for well over a year so maybe during that time, some have been thinking about moving it to their city. Let's hope so because I'd hate to see yet another road team.

[Skyhawker]

how does this look for 2010, 2009 would just add grays, expand in 2010.

1 sussex skyhawks
2 quebec capitales
3 brockton rox
4 ottawa rapidz
5 new jersey jackals
6 atlantic city surf
7 worcester tornadoes
8 can am grays
9 montreal monsters- reference to the area many sightings of bigfoot like creatures.
10 albany catamounts- refrence to upstate new yorks many mountain lion sightings

they would play 100 games, 11 against 8 of the teams and 12 against one of the teams, thats 8 x 11= 88 + 12 = 100!!!!!!!!!!!

[peca]

Albany won't work. Field is either torn down or will be for redevelopment. The Diamond Dogs didn't draw that well before they left.

Across the river in Troy NY. (suburb of Albany) Senator Bruno had a beautiful stadium built for the Tri Valley Cats of the New York Penn League. This area will not support two teams. The Cats draw very well.

Tri Valley has drawn 136,000 for a short season team this year. Plus they hosted the NY Penn League All Star game.

[OttawaBallFan]

Thanks for the clarifications Peca. I had not realized that Troy was so close to Albany.

I've heard a rumour today that the Pride may end up in Trois-Rivieres. Some people there are interested apparently. I also learned that TR has a stadium which is a copy of the one in Quebec. It was build at the same time in the 1930s.

I don't know about Albany not being able to support two teams in the area. There are over one million population. It all depends of course on a stadium being available and if the Can-Am would indeed be interested.

The other thing I've heard is that Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal is a possibility. I was told there could be a viable field in that area.

[Eddie]

Thanks for the clarifications Peca. I had not realized that Troy was so close to Albany.

I've heard a rumour today that the Pride may end up in Trois-Rivieres. Some people there are interested apparently. I also learned that TR has a stadium which is a copy of the one in Quebec. It was build at the same time in the 1930s.

I don't know about Albany not being able to support two teams in the area. There are over one million population. It all depends of course on a stadium being available and if the Can-Am would indeed be interested.

The other thing I've heard is that Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal is a possibility. I was told there could be a viable field in that area.

Trois is almost an exact carbon copy and no one ever talks about it. Don't know what condition it's in but there is enough time to do something.

Another possibility is another team steps out...Sussex has been having issues since inception so that may be a possibility.

Just a thought.

[jackalsfan]

The Skyhawks wont step out until 2010...when their 5 year stadium lease is up. Many think it is a four year lease but its actually a 5 year.

[OttawaBallFan]

I've heard about Sussex myself, that they are in danger of moving/folding too. As for their lease, that can always be broken. Witness Ottawa Lynx who had two years left. They were just going to pay a fine and move on. But after over a year of city red tape and suing/countersuing, the Rapidz were allowed to take over the remainder of the lease for this year and next. It's why the Rapidz came into existance only in late November.

[Berkshirian]

Thanks for the clarifications Peca. I had not realized that Troy was so close to Albany.

I've heard a rumour today that the Pride may end up in Trois-Rivieres. Some people there are interested apparently. I also learned that TR has a stadium which is a copy of the one in Quebec. It was build at the same time in the 1930s.

I don't know about Albany not being able to support two teams in the area. There are over one million population. It all depends of course on a stadium being available and if the Can-Am would indeed be interested.

The other thing I've heard is that Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal is a possibility. I was told there could be a viable field in that area.
Albany is a terrible sports town. It's amazing the Tri City Valley Cats draw as well as they do. The AHL doesn't draw too well there either. Don't know what it is, just not Albany's thing...

What about Ontario? Stadia in Welland, St. Catharines, London... With Sussex not long for this world, you could get 2 teams up there in no time.

[Skyhawker]

how do you guys know this?? who told you that they may fold or move?? im telling you baseball better not move out of this county, if it does i'll have to travel to the jackals and there stadium stinks, i think sussex's is so much better. plus the playoffs should help boost attendance for next season.

[ACsurfan]

Bridgeport might be a good addition to the Can Am League...

The 'Fish rank dead last in Atl League attendance...my guess is that they will eventually get kicked out of the league like Nashua and Atlantic City.

Or, perhaps the BlueFish will relocate to Yonkers, NY or Bergen County, NJ (The Meadowlands)

Danbury, CT or Springfield, MA also might be options...

[OttawaBallFan]

Skyhawker said:
> skyhawks in trouble? how do you guys know this??

I work in press box area for Ottawa on game days. Some media people yesterday were talking about this before the game. Mind you, I don't have all the details. It was a surprise to me when I heard this. The talk was about Nashua and where they may end up (Trois-Rivieres seems to be this week's city of choice) and that Sussex would move too. Sorry Skyhawker. Might not happen this off season however.

The subject of London, Ontario as a possible location was discussed. It has a stadium of sorts, oldest one still in operation if I recall correctly, built in late 1800s. There was a Canadian Baseball League team there in 2003 and TR had a team too but attendance was poor and league folded mid-season.

> Bridgeport might be a good addition to the Can Am League.
Bridgeport Maine? I'm looking at a map and New Haven is not that far away. Why would the Can-Am establish itself near a city that had a team just last year? Although, if they have a team in the Atlantic and could move to the Can-Am.... Still need a tenth team however.

[jackalsfan]

The playoffs should help. But like many times in the past, because many people do not know about the playoffs (hence, we found out 2 days ago when the Skyhawks will play home) ... many people probably wont come.

I know that when the Jackals had over 110,000 fans for a season, barely anyone came.

The Skyhawks may lose more money if they do not draw well during the playoffs....though a championship may bring some fans along.

[Eddie]

> Bridgeport might be a good addition to the Can Am League.
Bridgeport Maine? I'm looking at a map and New Haven is not that far away. Why would the Can-Am establish itself near a city that had a team just last year? Although, if they have a team in the Atlantic and could move to the Can-Am.... Still need a tenth team however.

I believe they meant Bridgeport CT. They were saying that maybe the Fish would be a possible league changing team like Nashua was.

I don't think that's a problem at the moment but they are last in attendance and that is why Nashua was "dropped" or whatever you want to call it. Though it went down as an agreement between the leagues.

New Haven just lost a team because attendance issues and whatever else, I doubt they see a Can Am team in the future.

If two teams leave then you have 6 teams and everything is even. If one moves then you still have 8 (of course this team would have to be Nashua).

Springfield is not a consideration and Danbury might not be either. They were in the past but the team may have to finance the whole cost of a ballpark and that doesn't make financial sense.

Bergen and Yonkers are supposed to be new teams if those parks are ever built. Always possible to see Bridgeport move to one of those cities though that's AtL business...

[jackalsfan]

I know it was short notice and fans didnt know, but the Sussex playoff game had between 700-850 people ( if lucky) at the game last night. Being there myself, it was an exciting game but Sussex (who I was pulling for) lost.
Nobody but the owner and the president of the team had boxes for the games...
.........my point is that the game was not crowded.

Maybe its because it was a week night and it was short notice.

[OttawaBallFan]

> the Sussex playoff game had between 700-850 people

I'm not at all surprised.

I don't know why people would think the playoffs would attract more fans. As you said, most don't know about it, only those who follow the team every day.

Even in the International League, playoff teams have trouble getting fans to the games. Louisville averages 9150 (league high). Last night's playoffs: 3500. Pawtucket almost 9100 average. Last night, 3200.

Why? Because you can't plan for the playoffs. Groups and corporations are what fill up the seats. That takes planning.

In Ottawa, the Lynx depended on walk-up crowds and so do the Rapidz. It's just that kind of town. In 2003, the team averaged 2500 a game. One of problems with this town is that it's a government town, no large corporations to speak of. And you can't sell tickets to government departments.

Anyway, during that year's playoffs, the Lynx averaged over 3000 for two games (don't have exact numbers but definetely over 3000), better than the other IL playoff teams. Other IL teams were wondering how we did it.

There was over 3900 last night in Quebec, they averaged 3200 during the season. The Capitales have a strong community presence which is why I think they did well last night. They also have radio broadcasts which I think really helps in developing that community presence.

As for Nashua, the Can-Am meetings are on September 29 so an announcement about their future should be made on or around that date.

[preeths]

OttawaBallFan, good points. The playoffs also take place during the start of the school year in most places. As parents try to get their children into new routines and more reasonable bed times, weeknight outings to the ballpark are not an option.

[canam-nyc2010]

What many have not realized is that the ideal areas for Can Am League expansion within the UNited States at least should be in and around the suburbs of New York City.

Queens, NY is a logical location which has had minorleague baseball for 1 season when the then Queens Kings played on the campus of St. John's Univeristy before they became the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Further, Hartford CT is the most logial lchoice as a major metrpolitan market without any minorleague baseball. There was discussion about 10 years ago of Hartford being a Northeast League possibility with ebbets field ventures running the team, but that fizzled due to legal action.

We all know Miles woul like a third Canadian team, and it makes sense for now, but if the Sussex rumors are true, a new team is going to be needed aside from a Grays in 2010.

[Eddie]

You're talking about an affiliated team which didn't even draw that much. I'd leave NYC alone. The Atlantic League will be in the one last place I would have even thought of placing a team near NYC which is Long Island. The other places are in the Yankee/Met mode. You have better luck upstate NY and moving into Canada like they already plan to with Montreal (referring to new teams) and supposedly at the ballpark in Trois if things work out.

Someone may buy the Pride and keep them where they are so unless someone else drops they should be okay.

[OttawaBallFan]

> What many have not realized is that the ideal areas for Can Am League expansion within the UNited States at least should be in and around the suburbs of New York City.

I, like Eddie, would disagree. Seems there's enough teams in MLB and the minors around NYC that to try to establish yourself there would be a major risk, one I don't think the league should take right now. It should stabilize itself with good locations and strong ownership.

Hartford would be a possibilty. I still think the Can-Am should try Albany, despite a minor league team nearby. Look at the Atlantic League. They have two teams, Lancaster and York PA, close to each other. They also are both close to Harrisburg (AA-Nationals), yet they both outdraw Harrisburg. So why couldn't the Albany Can-Ams outdraw the River Cats in Troy?

Other possibilities:

Halifax, NS
Utica, NY

I would not be surprised to see Nashua end up in Trois-Rivieres next year. We all know Miles Wolff is trying to get a team in Montreal and I think it will eventually happen. Having a team in TR might help in achieving that.

I personally would try to get Albany and eastern Canada such as somewhere in Nova Scotia and/or a team in Maine. Hartford could be a good spot.

[Eddie]

I still think the Can-Am should try Albany, despite a minor league team nearby. Look at the Atlantic League. They have two teams, Lancaster and York PA, close to each other. They also are both close to Harrisburg (AA-Nationals), yet they both outdraw Harrisburg. So why couldn't the Albany Can-Ams outdraw the River Cats in Troy?
The trifecta in central PA are not THAT close...Lancaster is 30 miles from Harrisburg and York is 30 miles from Lancaster. Plus Harrisburg is in an older park which does help the other two outdraw, they're still in their honeymoon phase with their cities.

Troy and Albany are like 6 miles apart.

Maine isn't exactly a mecca of minor league baseball but that old park is still there that they keep trying to get funds for...I think it's called Old Orchard? Then you have Bangor which failed and who knows why. But it would be another city between Brockton and Canada.

[jackalsfan]

Well, as we've said... Montreal is likely for 2009....but is there a stadium? I dont think so. They could play where the Expos played..haha. Lancaster is a good possibility and I like a team near Niagra, on the border.

Myjackals.com--Fan Site for the Jackals

[summerfan]

Well, as we've said... Montreal is likely for 2009....but is there a stadium? I dont think so. They could play where the Expos played..haha. Lancaster is a good possibility and I like a team near Niagra, on the border.

Myjackals.com--Fan Site for the Jackals

Montreal is very unlikely for 2009.

[jackalsfan]

Im guessing that 2009 will look completely the same. It doesnt look like we are adding a new team and Nashua seems to be close to beign sold....which gives a solid 8 teams.

I still like the divisions better.Less traveling for the team. They could have 94 games.

Play the first 20 games in division

Play the next 14 in interdivision (two 4 game series and two 3 game series)

Play 20 more divisional games

Play another 14 games in interdivisional (same series, opposite location and series lenght...4 game series away becomes 3 game series at home)

Play final 26 games in division.....end of season

SOUTH: AC, NJ, SUS, WOR
NORTH: QUE, OTT, NAS, BRO

[OttawaBallFan]

> which gives a solid 8 teams

I don't know about solid JackalsFan, but 8 teams nonetheless.

I don't care if there are divisions or not. Your proposal would reduce travelling although looking at a league map, it would benefit Ottawa and Quebec mostly. All other teams are much closer to each other.

I would put Worcester in the North, not the South, switch with Brockton.

I like it because it reminds me of old major league division setup, pre-1995. It developed division rivalry such as Expos-Phils, Expos-Pirates, Phils-Pirates. Today, the Phils and Pirates are in different divisions so, it seems to me, there is less suspense. The winner does not gain on the other.

I don't like it because it would work best with more teams instead of four. Also, the Can-Am does not seem to be stable yet. Moving teams affect the divisional structure which affects the division rivalry. Plus, I don't think Can-Am fans would care much about rivalry, certainly not casual fans, except for a few rare cases such as a Montreal-Quebec rivalry.

When the league had two divisions in 2005, the schedule was as it is today. Each team played (roughly) the same number of games against all opponents. Anyone know why the division setup was abandoned?

I don't think they'll go with your proposal. I think Miles wants equal number of games against all opponents. Divisions may happen if there are 10 or 12 teams, as it would make more sense then.

Montreal, as Summerfan said, is unlikely for 2009. Someone on the EncoreBaseballMontreal.com forum in French said that nothing is going on in TR until mid-October. That person seems to have contacts. There is still plenty of time for things to happen until May. But there is also the question of scheduling which, with Ottawa's late arrival, created some problems.

I was hoping for a Nashua to TR move but looks like the Pride will turn into next year's Grays.

[Eddie]

Grays? They may be sold.

[jackalsfan]

Yes, it seems as if some LONG TERM deal will be done before October (the proposed deadline is Sept 29). Some military group is trying to buy the franchise.
MYJACKALS.COM--FAN SITE OF THE JACKALS

[Berkshirian]

Places where stadia exist and a team could be dropped immediately....

Niagara Falls, NY
Utica, NY
Watertown, NY
Elmira, NY

Welland, ON
St. Catharines, ON
London, ON
Hamilton, ON

Trois Rivieres, QC

Pittsfield, MA

Bangor, ME
Sanford, ME

Montpelier, VT

Places where a stadium could be built relatively quickly and cheaply (like Worcester):

Hartford, CT
Springfield/Holyoke, MA
Augusta, ME
Halifax, NS
Saint John, NB

Just ideas.

[canam-nyc2010]

With Nashua Being Sold To Lord Help Us A Group Headed By Former Red Sox Gm Dan Duquette, And Some Military Backers, It Seems Expansion Is Not Going To Happen For 2009.

Yet Hartford Is The Biggest Northeatern Us City Without A Team Near By. The Greater Nyc Area Burbs In Westchester Is Going To Be An Atlantic League Team By 2011 Or 2012 According To The Cityof Yonkers, Which Leaves Nassau County Again A Probable Atlantic League Site Near The Colesium.

Middleton, Ny
Hartofrd, Ct
Most Logical

The Canadian Cities Mentioned Have Had Ny-penn In St. Catherine, Rookie Team In Welland Both Teams Folded

It Is Understandable Thast Wolff Needs A Travel Buffer Between The New Jersey Teams And Canada - Vermont Also Seems Interesting

Canam-nyc2010:d

[Eddie]

Vermont is a tiny place. Don't even think they can handle 2 teams.

[rams80]

With Nashua Being Sold To Lord Help Us A Group Headed By Former Red Sox Gm Dan Duquette, And Some Military Backers, It Seems Expansion Is Not Going To Happen For 2009.

Yet Hartford Is The Biggest Northeatern Us City Without A Team Near By. The Greater Nyc Area Burbs In Westchester Is Going To Be An Atlantic League Team By 2011 Or 2012 According To The Cityof Yonkers, Which Leaves Nassau County Again A Probable Atlantic League Site Near The Colesium.

Middleton, Ny
Hartofrd, Ct
Most Logical

The Canadian Cities Mentioned Have Had Ny-penn In St. Catherine, Rookie Team In Welland Both Teams Folded

It Is Understandable Thast Wolff Needs A Travel Buffer Between The New Jersey Teams And Canada - Vermont Also Seems Interesting

Canam-nyc2010:d

Doesn't New Britain have an Eastern League team? Wouldn't that count as "close" to Hartford?

[OttawaBallFan]

Guys, if you have information on this or any other Can-Am subject, please post links. I've found two interesting ones I never would have if not for bits of information on this board. I'm sure everyone would like to read more than just "Duquette will buy Pride" or "they've been sold to a military group".

The sale of the Pride to a group headed by Duquette can be found here, dated a week ago today:

www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWSBLOG/809129950

An even more interesting story about the military group mentioned by Jackalsfan is found here on the Pride's own web site dated Tuesday:

www.nashuapride.com/news/fullstory.php?id=1177

I like the bit about Nashua (the city) wanting to keep a team in town to offset debts. Makes sense for the city. But a team needs fans which the article also touches.

My understanding too is that the team is not yet sold to Duquette and company. It is an agreement in principle. But nice to see that there are potential owners, high-profile at that, willing to invest in a Can-Am team.

As for expansion towns and cities or where a team could move to, anything could happen. Watertown was mentioned. It is a nice little town of about 30,000 and about 3 hours drive from Ottawa. A team there could do well in my opinion because there is not much else to do. The same could probably be said of many of the smaller other towns mentioned. All is needed is a stadium and a willing owner.

But if the Can-Am wants to be a model of independent baseball leagues - and I believe it can - it should look into bigger centres. It should also not be afraid to compete in places where organized baseball is already established nearby. Sure it can be risky but a risk that is worth it in my opinion. I think the Atlantic League is showing that as well as some teams in the Can-Am like Brockton. So I don't buy the argument of "it's too close to x team, x city with a team". Let's compete with them and show we can do better. I say let's put a team in Albany and Hartford.

[MightyCasey]

I hear rumors that new independent minor league could be starting that will greatly effect can-Am League. Plans to start with 8 teams & add 4 expansion teams. 2 current Can-Am teams, 1 sorta current Can-Am team (depending on decision for 09), 1 current Atlantic League team, 1 former Northeast & Can-Am city, 2 former Northeast cities and 1 current affiliated city would be inagural teams. 3 more pretty big cities (from about 94,000 to about 155,000) and one REALLY big city would get expansion teams. Reason is to really cut down on travel. Can anybody confirm?

[OttawaBallFan]

Casey, I haven't heard anything about a new independent league. Research into this resulted in nothing except a new league in Japan slated to start in 2009. Someone in Florida wanted to start an independent league two years ago. The unnamed league was looking for owners but apparently, this league never materialized. Teams were to be based in Florida communities.

Anything is possible but I don't see it, especially what you said about this new league taking two Can-Am teams and an Atlantic League team. What I have heard, and I can't remember where, is that one or two AL teams may move to the Can-Am. Possibilities include Bridgeport and Newark.

A really big city could be Montreal. Richmond also lost the Braves AAA team and I don't believe there is a replacement team moving in for next season. That is a fairly large city.

There is currently 8 active independent baseball leagues of 25 that have tried since 1993, by my count. One, the ULB, is in trouble and may have played their last season. The situation is a bit complicated but major reasons for folding are two lawsuits and low attendance throughout the league since 2006 when the league was created. Two of the teams have talked about moving to the Golden League for next season which would in effect fold the six-team league.

It's interesting and I'll certainly try to keep an ear open. Since the Can-Am owners meeting is next week, if teams are folding/moving, we should know then as each team must state if they are willing and able to play in 2009.

[summerfan]

Guys, if you have information on this or any other Can-Am subject, please post links. I've found two interesting ones I never would have if not for bits of information on this board. I'm sure everyone would like to read more than just "Duquette will buy Pride" or "they've been sold to a military group".

The sale of the Pride to a group headed by Duquette can be found here, dated a week ago today:

www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080912/NEWSBLOG/809129950

An even more interesting story about the military group mentioned by Jackalsfan is found here on the Pride's own web site dated Tuesday:

www.nashuapride.com/news/fullstory.php?id=1177

I like the bit about Nashua (the city) wanting to keep a team in town to offset debts. Makes sense for the city. But a team needs fans which the article also touches.

My understanding too is that the team is not yet sold to Duquette and company. It is an agreement in principle. But nice to see that there are potential owners, high-profile at that, willing to invest in a Can-Am team.

As for expansion towns and cities or where a team could move to, anything could happen. Watertown was mentioned. It is a nice little town of about 30,000 and about 3 hours drive from Ottawa. A team there could do well in my opinion because there is not much else to do. The same could probably be said of many of the smaller other towns mentioned. All is needed is a stadium and a willing owner.

But if the Can-Am wants to be a model of independent baseball leagues - and I believe it can - it should look into bigger centres. It should also not be afraid to compete in places where organized baseball is already established nearby. Sure it can be risky but a risk that is worth it in my opinion. I think the Atlantic League is showing that as well as some teams in the Can-Am like Brockton. So I don't buy the argument of "it's too close to x team, x city with a team". Let's compete with them and show we can do better. I say let's put a team in Albany and Hartford.

I am not sure about watertown alot of teams have failed there for some reason.Aslo with watertown is a blue collar town.

[Eddie]

I am not sure about watertown alot of teams have failed there for some reason.Aslo with watertown is a blue collar town.

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but are you saying blue collar people don't go to baseball games? They're who makes up most of minor league baseball fans. They don't serve frappucinos in the minors :D

[summerfan]

Maybe I'm reading this wrong but are you saying blue collar people don't go to baseball games? They're who makes up most of minor league baseball fans. They don't serve frappucinos in the minors :D

No i am not saying that at all.The issue in water town is there is very few business that would be able to sponcer the team.

[Eddie]

I see...
Watertown is not a good choice.
Most of upper NY has the same problem because a lot of it is rural.

[Corbin]

Here's a thought: What about the New Bedford/Fall River, Massachusetts area?

Each of the cities has a municipal population of over 90,000 people, with a combined population of over 185,000. When you factor in the populations of the nearby Bristol County communities of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown and Westport, the total population climbs to over 256,000. Include the nearby Plymouth County communities of Lakeville, Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester and the target audience grows to over 280,000. I've purposely left out outlying towns like Wareham (Cape Cod League team), Seekonk, Somerset and Swansea (proximity to the Pawtucket Red Sox) that would push the population base to over 300,000.

The region is "sports mad". The nation's economic problems as a whole notwithstanding, the so-called "South Coast" region of Massachusetts seems poised for an upswing with the promise of commuter rail being extended from Boston into the area.

Perhaps most interesting is that a situation that some might consider a setback could ultimately provide the impetus for the City of New Bedford to be willing to enter into a public/private partnership to develop a facility. The Paul Walsh Athletic Field complex near New Bedford High School was recently closed to activity due to the discovery of unsafe levels of arsenic in the soil at the site. The complex has served as home to a number of New Bedford High School athletic programs. Might the city be inclined to partner on development of a facility that could be used by an independent minor-league baseball team and high school athletic programs?

If I remember correctly, the City of New Bedford dallied with the idea of luring the Bangor Blue Ox and the Erie SeaWolves at various times. The city's current mayor - Scott W. Lang - has been a vocal proponent of bringing a Cape Cod League expansion team to the city. I wonder if a Can-Am League team would intrigue them?

[jackalsfan]

ITHAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT NASHUA WILL BE COMING BACK INTO THE LEAGUE......and there is a new lease on the stadium and there is a possible name change.

You make some pretty good points, but a stadium would have to be built, the city would have to agree and it's a very long process. We can rule that expansion for 2009 is most likely impossible. With all of the 2008 teams returning, there is no need to reach out yet.

That area is a good "middle" section of the league. We need another middle league team (location wise). In 2009, if Montreal was to enter the league, we would need another team, maybe around that area.

So it would look as (if there was divisions to help with traveling) in 2009:

SOUTH: New Jersey.....Sussex....Atlantic City....Brockton....New Bedford

NORTH: Quebec...Montreal....Nashua....Worcester...Ottawa

If you go back a page or so, you can view my proposed division play (for 09)

MYJACKALS.COM --- FAN SITE OF THE NEW JERSEY JACKALS

[OttawaBallFan]

Thanks for the heads up Jackalsfan. More can be read on the Pride's web site.

Part of what was said:
> Allvord pledged to provide a new experience at Holman Stadium

I don't know what kind of experience existed there the last few years. Obviously, fans did not come out to the games. Let's see what happens in the coming years. I'm glad that Nashua will keep its time, at least for now.

Looks also like the 2009 season will have the same lineup as this pass season. Now, anybody have news about Sussex future?

[jackalsfan]

From what numerous Sussex fans have told me, and word of mouth, Sussex's last year would be when the lease is up-2010. A championship may have turned the franchise around, its up to the fans who show up to decide the future.

[OttawaBallFan]

See my post concerning Ottawa Rapidz for 2009. The Rapidz are closing shop.

[summerfan]

See my post concerning Ottawa Rapidz for 2009. The Rapidz are closing shop.


This could be a bluff for they city to lower it rent.Even there are reports miles will be talking to the mayor so who knows.

[Berkshirian]

I like the New Bedford idea (even if commuter rail was put on the back burner a couple years back)

You also have the Plymouth River Eels, a "team" with uniforms, management, a stadium plan, just no actual "team".....

Check them out at www.plymouthrivereels.com.

Plymouth and New Bedford are about 20 miles from each other, and from Brockton. Would make a nice, easy triangle. Great regional rivalries as well.....

Also, can anyone confirm or deny that Brockton was looking at trying to lure an Eastern League team recently? I think the loss of Brockton would be catastrophic to this league.....

[jackalsfan]

Has the Plymouth team played a season yet? They were supposed to build a 5,000 seat place with 20 boxes....but it is not done yet. That kind of seating would be great fopr the CanAm League but the Atlantic League may also be interested.

[canam-nyc2010]

has anyone else heard the rumor - now that frank boulton has purchased the bridgeport bluefish that he may try to relocate that team to richmond virginia (they lost the braves this season) and that ottawa may relocate to bridgeport.

it would make a lot of sense given the climate of both situations

[summerfan]

has anyone else heard the rumor - now that frank boulton has purchased the bridgeport bluefish that he may try to relocate that team to richmond virginia (they lost the braves this season) and that ottawa may relocate to bridgeport.

it would make a lot of sense given the climate of both situations

There is a very slim chance ottawa will be relocated.The league and there is 4 groups intersted in buying the rapidz and keeping them in ottawa long term.For someone to buy them and move them it would cost them alot maybe to much for indy owners.It would be much cheaper froma group to buy a expanson team.

[rams80]

has anyone else heard the rumor - now that frank boulton has purchased the bridgeport bluefish that he may try to relocate that team to richmond virginia (they lost the braves this season) and that ottawa may relocate to bridgeport.

it would make a lot of sense given the climate of both situations

I doubt they'll move to Richmond since it's likely the city will only be open this year.

[jackalsfan]

I still do not know the stand on the whole Ottawa situation. I see news about Miles working deals and I heard that the Rapidz are not returning. I thought Miles had the lease in 2009, so wouldn't the team return.

I am figuring that the Rapidz or a new CanAm League team will play in 2009, just because the CanAm League site had a recent transaction of Ottawa exercising a contract. So I am guessing that there is a possibility of the team coming back because if I was that player being exercised, I would want to know if I had a summer job next year.

Any feedback?

[OttawaBallFan]

OK, here's a recap of the situation in Ottawa, as reported in the local media.

On September 29, Rapidz owner Rob Hall declared the team bankrupt. He cites huge financial losses and that the city would charge $1 million or more for leasing the stadium after 2009 instead of current $108k. Given he can't possibly pay that, he decides to cut his losses early and not run for 2009.

Over the next few days, Ottawa's mayor says that $1 million had nothing to do with the lease. It was the figure arrived at to amortize the value of the stadium and land over 20 years at 5%. Many times since then, the mayor says they want to work with the Rapidz and give them a similar lease up to 5 years. Note that is longer than most teams in the league.

It also turns out that Hall wanted to use the stadium and land for an all-year round entertainment center (that would include a baseball team) and wanted a 60 year lease. Or buy the stadium. No details on what this entertainment center would be, but sounded like a good idea to me. We will likely never know exactly what he had in mind.

By the way, in my mind Hall was not technically the team's owner. The agreement with the Can-Am was to run the team for 2008-09 and try to get a new lease agreement. The Triple-A Lynx still had 2 years left on the lease (at $108k per year) before they moved to Allentown. They did not want to pay that and fines for breaking it so they asked the city to, in effect, sub-lease to a Can-Am team. City council finally agreed late last November and is how the Rapidz came into being.

Miles Wolff guaranteed the remaining two years of the Lynx lease. The league actually has the lease at the moment, not the Rapidz. So the agreement, as I said, was for Hall and his partner Rick Anderson (who left in August) to run the team until he negotiated a new lease beyond 2009. Only then was he to pay the franchise fee of $750k.

Hall by the way reported losses of $1.4 million. Quite high but it likely includes the $750k franchise fee. It is speculated that most of that money is owed to himself: the Rapidz owners are Momentus, which is Hall's parent company.

In the meantime, Miles Wolff wants to have a team in Ottawa. It is after all a large city with available, modern stadium and a core of baseball fans. He bust his butt to get a team here, he doesn't want to leave one year later after all that hard work.

Larry O'Brien, Ottawa's mayor, and Wolff seem to get along and the mayor has said he will work with Wolff. O'Brien by the way is a local high-tech entrepreneur millionaire himself and he knows how business works. In my mind, O'Brien is not pleased with Hall.

Miles said there were 4 interested groups to buy the Rapidz behind Hall and Anderson earlier this year. He also said he is giving himself 2-3 weeks to find a new owner, otherwise, the Can-Am would not be in Ottawa in 2009.

That would take us to the end of October. It seems running the Rapidz in Ottawa himself would be too costly, although the original plan was for the league to run the team to end of 2009 season, if need be. But with so much interest, he sold the team quickly last April. Given that, the chances of one of the previously interested groups still being interested are good.

As far as I can tell, anything to do with players is business as usual. They can be traded or released. Two of those so far are PTBNL to complete previous trades. Remember, they declared bankrupcy. They did not say they were folding.

Exercising options seem to be normal. The way I understand it, players are signed for one season with a team option for the next season. Otherwise, teams would have to start from scratch every year as they would not have players under contract. If you noticed, many teams exercised their options for, in many cases, the whole roster on the same day. It's a way of saying, we are keeping these guys for now, otherwise they'd be free agents.

In the slim possibility (in my opinion at this time) that the Rapidz become next year's Grays, that team will be comprised of the current players.

Finally, who are the four possible choices for becoming the new owners? Nobody seems to know. But we can speculate, which is fun to do.

Some speculate Jeff Hunt could be one. He owns the 67s junior hockey team and is working on getting a new CFL football team in town for 2010.

Others say why not Eugene Melnyk? He owns the Ottawa Senators and is trying to get a MLS franchise here. I count him out too but who knows. Given Hunt and Melnyk are busy trying to get other sports franchises in the city, I doubt they have the time (and maybe not the interest) in the Rapidz.

Actor Matthew Perry grew up in Ottawa, is seen in town occasionally and at Senators games. He used to be a top-ranked junior tennis player in Canada.

Actor Dan Ackroyd is an Ottawa native. His friend Bill Murray owns the Brockton Rox.

Rob Bryden? Used to own the Senators and has his hand in many businesses, mostly tech, including WorldHeart still I believe.

Sam Holman makes maple bats locally used by many major leaguers. He put his company for sale a few years ago in the millons. Don't know if he sold it. He may not be interested in owning a ball team.

Being a government town, there are not too many large industries. The next biggest employers are high tech firms and I can think of only a handful where a possible owner with enough money could come from.

[summerfan]

Ottawaballfan
When a team files for chapter 11 it in a way is much worse then a team just folding.

[OttawaBallFan]

The "deadline" has come and passed and the situation does not look good.

CTV reported Monday night a "problem" with what I understood to be the last of the potential owner groups. Also mentions that Miles Wolff is not giving up on Ottawa.

How long will Miles keep looking? Don't know but he has to make a decision real soon if he will 1) run the Ottawa team himself, unlikely in my opinion although that was his plan before finding Hall, 2) run the team himself to give himself more time to find an owner (I think even less likely) or, 3) convert Ottawa to a road team.

I am not at all confident at this point.

SummerFan, you may be right in your last comment. A bankrupcy probably has made it more difficult.

[summerfan]

The "deadline" has come and passed and the situation does not look good.

CTV reported Monday night a "problem" with what I understood to be the last of the potential owner groups. Also mentions that Miles Wolff is not giving up on Ottawa.

How long will Miles keep looking? Don't know but he has to make a decision real soon if he will 1) run the Ottawa team himself, unlikely in my opinion although that was his plan before finding Hall, 2) run the team himself to give himself more time to find an owner (I think even less likely) or, 3) convert Ottawa to a road team.

I am not at all confident at this point.

SummerFan, you may be right in your last comment. A bankrupcy probably has made it more difficult.

1)The chances of a road teams are slim to none.It is cheaper and easer for the league to run ottawa and look for a owner durring the season.

2)To be honest i am felling better about 2009 then last week.From what i heard there are still ownership groups interested.

[Lynxfan]

summerfan,

Respectfully, according to Mr. Wolff it is much cheaper for the league to run a road team. There's no front office staff, much lower operating costs, no lease to pay, plus the added bonus of more revenues for the additional home dates and lower expenses due to less travel.

[summerfan]

summerfan,

Respectfully, according to Mr. Wolff it is much cheaper for the league to run a road team. There's no front office staff, much lower operating costs, no lease to pay, plus the added bonus of more revenues for the additional home dates and lower expenses due to less travel.

1)With a road team each team pays about $100,000 per season.
2)There is no real source of revenue for a road team.
3)The road team is on the road all year.Meaning your costs are more then double of a a non road team.

[Lynxfan]

I don't know where you get your figures, but with salaries capped at $100K, I can't believe that travel expenses for 90 away games would come to $600,000 (i.e. Seven owners @ $100,000 each is $700K - $100K for salaries = $600K left for travel). The additional revenue is gained by the HOME team - i.e. they have more home games to make up for the games they don't have in Ottawa.

In any event, I think I'm going to side with Miles when he says that it's cheaper to run a road team.

[OttawaBallFan]

I believe it would cost less myself to run a road team. People seem to greatly over-estimate the cost of traveling.

Say 25 guys (players and coaches) on the road for 100 days (games days, plus a few off days, but probably less) times $80 per night per room (I'm sure can be found for less at group discount rates) for double occupancy, that's only $100k for the season.

Add rental of bus, I don't know how much that costs. But keep in mind that money can be saved by travelling at night like the Rapidz did and save on hotels. I'm guessing the bus costs are roughly the same per person as a hotel room.

No stadium rent, no game-day expenses, no front office. That's a big chunk of money a road team doesn't have to spend, although you could (repeat, could) break even if you did have your own place but only if you looked at operating for more than a year. If you planned on only one year and everybody knew it or that was the perception, there would be all sorts of problems in getting sponsors, getting suppliers to sell to you and getting fans into the seats.

[Morris Mott]

Costs for a traveling team...

PER 3 GAME SERIES 25 people with 20 players and 5 staff

Hotels... 3 nights @ $60 a room X 13 rooms = $2,340
Food..... 4 days @ $60 a day X 25 = $6,000
Charter Bus... 4 day usage = $7,800

Now if you play, lets say 30 series to equal 90 games, that's $16,140 X 30, or $484,200. Add in the $100,000 players salaries and maybe another $50,000 in coaches, field manager, equipment managers, trainers' salaries, bringing the total to $634,200. Then again, let's not forget insurance, medical coverage, uniforms, equipment...etc...etc. So I see how it could easily cost around $600,000 to $700,000

So if running the team in Ottawa would end up costing the league a million dollar loss, it might be better to have the traveling team.

[jackalsfan]

Wouldn't the league pay for the team. Someone stated that each team would give 100,000. I'm not too sure if an owner would dish that cash out, especially if a team is not making a profit.

[Bonhomme]

About expansion possibilities in Canada, here's what Miles Wolff, Can-Am league commish, had to say about it:

Montreal: there's no stadium and nothing has moved on that front in the past 18 months

London: Too far from other cities.

Trois-Rivières, Quebec: No inquiries from local investors whatsoever. The market is too small.

On Trois-Rivières (located between Quebec City and Montreal), my personnal opinion is that the local economy too weak.

[jackalsfan]

Any word on owners for Ottawa or is Miles taking it for 09? Also, what are the chances of Ottawa sticking past 2009?

[OttawaBallFan]

Hi JackalsFan. Happy New Year to you and all.

Current situation in Ottawa:

* League is operating the team until a new owner is found. I don't think Miles is taking much, if any, of an active role.

* A new GM has been named a couple of weeks ago by the name of Barry Robinson. He's got 30 years of management experience with the city of Ottawa. His son is Rapids' player and pitching coach Fraser Robinson.

* What I hear is that there is no equipment (computers, phones, ticketing system) left at the stadium and that is Mr. Robinson's first task, to get such equipment together to start operating the team.

* Next will be to hire full-time personnel. I believe that the groundskeeper will return and likely a handful of others.

* Operating budget is about $1.4 million. League expects a loss for 2009.

Chances of Ottawa sticking past 2009: Very good.

City has put an offer of 5 years for the stadium lease. Miles wants a team in Ottawa. Ottawa fans want a team. Attendance was not that bad considering the poor on-field performance and weather, including 5000 during the last game and a few thousands sticking around after the game for autographs.

All is needed is a committed owner. I don't expect one to be found until the end or after the season. But all else looks good and the wheels are in motion.

[OttawaBallFan]

Just a correction on my previous post. Fraser Robinson is NOT Ottawa's pitching coach, Mike Kusiewicz is. I must have had a brain cramp when I wrote that.

[OttawaBallFan]

The Ottawa team is now looking for a new name. Seems keeping the old name Rapids may have some legal ramifications.

The team, just like last year, is holding a contest until Feb. 6 to pick a new name and it will be announced in a few weeks.

[Philfever76]

I am sure everyone knows by now that the Nashua franchise has been sold. And now the club in Nashua is called the American Defenders of New Hamphsire. Crazy name and army "camo" uniforms, but I feel the franchise is moving in the right direction. Also, have you been following some of their signings? They signed an excellent pitcher just a few weeks ago and just signed an IFer from St. George in the Golden League who I followed last year. Guy put up filthy offensive numbers out there. With the strong "Sox" connections this year, a new hitting coach, and some strong Indy talent coming on board, look for New Hampshire to be in the thick of the pennant race. As a matter of fact, bet on it. The new ownership group and winning baseball will help put fannies in the seats in historic Holman Field.

[Berkshirian]

All right, two months and nobody has posted. Gonna keep this thread alive at least till the season starts.....

New Bedford is apparently off the table. NECBL team just moved in New Bedford BaySox. Got me a hat. Real sharp.

That's all.
:redface:

[Skyhawker]

thanks for keeping the threads alive. i know im excited for the upcoming season, and i hope the skyhawks can repeat as champs.

[OttawaBallFan]

Well Berk, I guess there hasn't been much to say. The thread is called "What does the future hold?". For 2009, all of last year's team are back with two name changes: the Nashua Pride are now the American Defenders of New Hampshire and the Ottawa Rapidz are now the Ottawa Voyageurs.

I don't think New Bedford has ever been considered at this point for entry into the Can-Am. You're the first to mention it I believe. I also don't believe that New Bedford having a collegiate team prevents that city from getting a pro league team.

I think Can-Am expansion has been put on the back burner for now. Some teams have to get their own house in order such as Ottawa and Sussex. Nashua has new owners but that doesn't mean they're out of the woods yet. Former Ottawa Rapidz owner Rob Hall is also suing Miles, the league and the city in a ridiculous claim that he was shanghaied into buying the team. There is also a lawsuit about the use of the Rapids trademark, the reason the team had to change its name.

[OttawaBallFan]

Well, I'm wrong once again. There IS much to say.

How will suspended operations of Ottawa and Atlantic City affect the future of the Can-Am?

ACSurfFan in another thread believes baseball in AC is done and that the stadium will be torn down. Will finding a new owner within the next six months save a franchise there? ACSurfFan, keep us up to date with what you find out and your opinions.

A similar situation here in Ottawa. Already, a handful of city counsellors are talking about tearing down our own beautiful stadium, sell the land and using the proceeds to build a football (to bring back the CFL) or soccer stadium (to lure the MLS) in other parts of the city.

There is some optimism, although waning, that Ottawa will be back in 2010. From what I know, all is needed is an owner and the stadium is theirs for five years at the same cost the Rapidz/Voyageurs were paying.

That doesn't help Ottawa if Atlantic City does not return, and vice versa. An 8th team is still required. Expansion into a new city? Again, interest and owners are required, not to mention in some cases a place to play.

Can the Can-Am continue beyond this year with six teams? I think so although eight would be better. Good news: most of these six are solid.

Seems to me that both AC and Ottawa are good fits for the Can-Am. I'm sure that Miles Wolff will do all he can to keep those cities in the league. Time will tell as the saying goes.

[coach_savage]

I would consider buying the Ottawa team but I'm currently "a little short" then again it might be my only chance to coach a team...I would make a really good bat boy though

[arizonacub]

What markets are there on the eastern seaboard to re-expand the Can-Am? Atlantic City seems to be for sure gone, the land being rolled into the airport purchase. Ottawa has been a mess for awhile. We can assume the Can-Am needs to expand back to eight...so who seems like candidates? I'm good with geography, but not so good with New England necessarily.

Just some suggestions (they'll probalby have Penn League or International League teams)....Albany? Bangor? London, OT? Toronto? Providence? Bristol, CT (the ESPN's?) .....

[OttawaBallFan]

Coach, I'm a little short myself. Maybe we can pool our resources. Let's see... dang, still $749,500 short.

All kidding aside, the problem with expansion or even existing clubs is not if the league can or should have teams in any of the cities mentioned in this thread in the last eight months. The problem as we have all seen this week is finding owners. Not easy although some people seem to think so, especially in Ottawa where I hear things like "why doesn't Melnyk buy the team?". Well, Melnyk never showed any interest in owning a baseball team, especially not one in an independant league. He wants to go big league and that's why he owns the Senators and pushing for MLS soccer.

An owner or ownership group needs the cash to buy and operate a team. Right there that limits the number of potential owners. Throw in the fact that only a local owner would be more interested. A guy living in NYC will be less inclined to want to buy a team based in Albany.

The available markets have been discussed before. Each has their own good and bad points.

Atlantic City would be good but appears dead. Too bad as it looked like a good fit for both city and league.

Ottawa still has potential and a good fit with Can-Am as well.

Albany I pushed for myself but apparently they have no suitable stadium and some feel too much competition with nearby minor league team. I disagree and think the Can-Am could work there.

London and Toronto. Seem too far away for travel. Toronto is still a five hour drive from Ottawa and London is farther. I do think the both could work, especially London. Toronto, even with the Jays, could support a Can-Am team. The population is certainly large enough. Such a team would be competing with every other entertainment available in a major metro area but I think they could do it. But unless there are more teams closer by, forget London and Toronto.

Bangor: I don't think has been mentioned in this thread before.

Providence: not mentioned either. Big competition is nearby Pawtucket.

Montreal: good choice but nothing happening there as far as owner and stadium are concerned. Maybe in a few years.

So there are quite a few cities to expand to. That's not the problem. The problem is getting someone with cash to buy one as we are discovering.

[ottawasportsfan2010]

What markets are there on the eastern seaboard to re-expand the Can-Am? Atlantic City seems to be for sure gone, the land being rolled into the airport purchase. Ottawa has been a mess for awhile. We can assume the Can-Am needs to expand back to eight...so who seems like candidates? I'm good with geography, but not so good with New England necessarily.

Just some suggestions (they'll probalby have Penn League or International League teams)....Albany? Bangor? London, OT? Toronto? Providence? Bristol, CT (the ESPN's?) .....


Canadian Citys

Ottawa
I still think ottawa is a good fit for the can am league and i think the league would come back here.

Toronto
Is not a great minor league sports city .There ohl teams don't get much support there minor league soccer get no good support and the list goes on.I really do not think a can-am team would do well at all in the gta.

Kingston
Could be a very good fit for the can-am league.

London
I could see them doing good at the gate but travel may be a concern.

[coach_savage]

London is a Mid size city (a little over 300,000) but their not really into baseball "as a whole" not to offend the couple hundred die hards that do live in London. London would have a better chance to get an AHL hockey team. I went to a London Monarchs game a few years ago during the half season that the league was in operation and there was probably a couple hundred people there.

what about the eastern provinces, cities like Halifax, Fredricton, St. John's. I have no idea why there is not even a Minor League team in Montreal, sure they screwed up the Expos but to have no baseball in such a large city, I just don't get it.

[ottawasportsfan2010]

London is a Mid size city (a little over 300,000) but their not really into baseball "as a whole" not to offend the couple hundred die hards that do live in London. London would have a better chance to get an AHL hockey team. I went to a London Monarchs game a few years ago during the half season that the league was in operation and there was probably a couple hundred people there.

what about the eastern provinces, cities like Halifax, Fredricton, St. John's. I have no idea why there is not even a Minor League team in Montreal, sure they screwed up the Expos but to have no baseball in such a large city, I just don't get it.

A large city does not alwas mean good support.Montreal has failed a few times already with qmjhl team this time there doing better but still not great.I do think montreal has more of a chance at getting ok vrowds then troonto would.I still don't think you would see big crowds.

[ottawasportsfan2010]

Coach, I'm a little short myself. Maybe we can pool our resources. Let's see... dang, still $749,500 short.

All kidding aside, the problem with expansion or even existing clubs is not if the league can or should have teams in any of the cities mentioned in this thread in the last eight months. The problem as we have all seen this week is finding owners. Not easy although some people seem to think so, especially in Ottawa where I hear things like "why doesn't Melnyk buy the team?". Well, Melnyk never showed any interest in owning a baseball team, especially not one in an independant league. He wants to go big league and that's why he owns the Senators and pushing for MLS soccer.

An owner or ownership group needs the cash to buy and operate a team. Right there that limits the number of potential owners. Throw in the fact that only a local owner would be more interested. A guy living in NYC will be less inclined to want to buy a team based in Albany.

The available markets have been discussed before. Each has their own good and bad points.

Atlantic City would be good but appears dead. Too bad as it looked like a good fit for both city and league.

Ottawa still has potential and a good fit with Can-Am as well.

Albany I pushed for myself but apparently they have no suitable stadium and some feel too much competition with nearby minor league team. I disagree and think the Can-Am could work there.

London and Toronto. Seem too far away for travel. Toronto is still a five hour drive from Ottawa and London is farther. I do think the both could work, especially London. Toronto, even with the Jays, could support a Can-Am team. The population is certainly large enough. Such a team would be competing with every other entertainment available in a major metro area but I think they could do it. But unless there are more teams closer by, forget London and Toronto.

Bangor: I don't think has been mentioned in this thread before.

Providence: not mentioned either. Big competition is nearby Pawtucket.

Montreal: good choice but nothing happening there as far as owner and stadium are concerned. Maybe in a few years.

So there are quite a few cities to expand to. That's not the problem. The problem is getting someone with cash to buy one as we are discovering.

I really think toronto would have trouble supprting a can-am team.Toronto for the most part does not support minor league sports great.I may be wrong but if you look at most of ther eminor league teams they do not do great at the gate.

[zuma jay]

Norwich, CT is leaving the Eastern League after this year.
I wonder if local officials there would be receptive to an independent league team?

[OttawaBallFan]

Coach, two main reasons there's not even minor league baseball in Montreal:

1. No stadium
2. No league wants to be in Canada. At least, that's the IL's position and part of why the Lynx left. Don't know about the NY-Penn or the Eastern leagues but considering there is no minor league team left in the country, I think the whole minor league system feels that way.

[Berkshirian]

Well, RIP to Atlantic City and Ottawa.

League next?

Brockton and Quebec to the Atlantic League?

[jackalsfan]

Bridgeport and Newark came to the CanAm? While Quebec and Brockton draw a strong enough crowd for the Atlantic League, and plenty more for the CanAm, the two Atlantic League teams struggle.

I believe there is a attendance mininmum for the Atl.....

NEWARK: You'll find 500 people then you'll find 6000 people. A wacky crowd and a team in a decline. Just this past fall, was brought out of 4 million in debt due to lack of crowd. Suprisingly, Newark would not lead CanAm attendance. Newark drew an average of 2700, third or fourth in the CanAm.

BRIDGEPORT: Drew an average of 2300, the worst in the Atl....or a "would be" fifth in the CanAm. Most likely losing money, just a Newark is, so swithcing to a shorter season can save money.

The Atlantic League seems to be expanding all the time, so losing these two teams and gaining two much much stronger attendance teams would help both league. Seems like a win win situation.

Thoughts?

[Berkshirian]

I'm sorry, but I don't see a lot of future success in grabbing other league's failing teams.....:(

[OttawaBallFan]

Tuning in on the Internet for the Capitales game tonight, which is rained out, there was a phone-in sport talk show and there was a mention that some cities have already contacted Miles Wolff inquiring about franchise opportunities. He alluded that Massachusetts is a baseball hot-bed so maybe some Mass. cities are among those calling?

I would be good for the Can-Am to get other franchises in Massachusetts or even New Jersey. I don't have a problem a team like Newark joining the Can-Am unlike Berkshirian. Maybe they figure they can compete better in the Can-Am since we have a salary cap and length of service rules.

Anyway, the announcer is convinced that the league will be back to eight teams in 2010. He actually said ten teams. Maybe he misspoke or maybe he knows something. Miles Wolff does own the Capitales after all. Trois-Rivieres is not in the cards. I'm sure he's still trying to woo Montreal and all Ottawa needs is an owner. So if an Atlantic League team or two transfers, who knows?

[richvide0]

A few months ago I emailed Miles Wolff in regards to getting a team in Quincy, MA (I live there). To me it seems perfect. It's a big city and the Boston subway runs through it so it has tons of visibility from people taking the subway to see the Sox. I wish I had $$$$$$$$$. I'd beg him for the opportunity to have a team here.

Here is his reply:

Good presentation. The real question is how do you get a ballpark built
in Quincy? I am sure the league would be very interested, but the key
would be a good facility. Funding for it in the current econonic climate
could be difficult. If you have ideas let me know.

Miles Wolff

The presentation he mentions is a video I put together. Here's the link if you're interested:

http://www.richscanlon.com/clips/Quincy_baseball.mov

Edited to add that I also emailed the mayor Quincy and here is his response:

Dear Rich,
Thank you for your email. The city has been approached over the years by a number of minor league teams to move into the area. They all view Adams Field as a premier spot to call home. One problem with ever bringing a team here is that the facility is already used by so many local leagues. The High Schools, senior Babe Ruth, Babe Ruth and Legion all use Adams, and as you know, it is occupied almost every day and night of the summer. Having said that, if any team approached us and wanted to build a new facility, we would certainly listen.

Thank you for your suggestion, and I hope that you will enjoy our top notch park system when the weather turns. Should a situation come up where a minor league team could move here without disrupting the leagues that already call Quincy home, we will certainly look closely at the proposal.

Sincerely,
Thomas P. Koch
Mayor