GBL Future?

[Kanuck]

As a fan from up North in Victoria I just had to vent here. Having spoken with the Seals owner and players and many visiting players coming through here I am amazed at the dedication of these players and coaches. Tijuana, Yuma, Maui and now St. George, all with problems. Does the GBL actually screen potential owners?
I feel very sorry for the players, coaches and fans of these teams.

[J.J. Smith]

Future of the GBL? Well, it's been discussed that their business model was fundamentally flawed and that at some point they could no longer kick the financial can down the road. It seems the can has hit the wall. Time for the solvent teams to look for a new league to play in.

[E-TownCaps]

This is the solution to the 2011 season reduce the number teams from 10 to 6, that being Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Chico, Tucson, and Orange County. Have a 70 game schedule 35 home/away, 14 games vs each team. Get rid of the North and South divisions and have an overall standings throughout the year. Top 4 teams advance to the playoffs 1 playing 4, 2 playing 3 and so on. By scrapping 4 teams it will reduce cost of traveling attract better talent and bring a better product to the ball park for the fans. It's time for the GBL to get back respectability and build a solid foundation and go from there.

[Lunkhead]

Maybe you should discuss things you know about and not write garbage on the blog. How, do you know the financial situation of Maui or for that matter any team. Do not always believe what the wonderful GBL puts out in the news. They are the magic men.

[WallysWorld]

This is the solution to the 2011 season reduce the number teams from 10 to 6, that being Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Chico, Tucson, and Orange County. Have a 70 game schedule 35 home/away, 14 games vs each team. Get rid of the North and South divisions and have an overall standings throughout the year. Top 4 teams advance to the playoffs 1 playing 4, 2 playing 3 and so on. By scrapping 4 teams it will reduce cost of traveling attract better talent and bring a better product to the ball park for the fans. It's time for the GBL to get back respectability and build a solid foundation and go from there.

Six teams are not enough for the GBL rump to survive. The three Canadian might have to consider rejoining the Northern League again (except Victoria wasn't in the NL, of course). There's not enough baseball interest for expansion in western Canada except maybe one or two teams at the most.

But I agree, the GBL has to clean house after the season and go with the strong teams. Maybe a merger with the United League might be in order?

At least Yuma has a potential owner interested: http://www.yumasun.com/news/team-62838-mcdermott-league.html

[Sinsan]

What? are you talking about? Wonderful GBL? magic men? not happening

[elpaso]

Here is my two cents.

I spoke with two former Yuma players. One of them stated that the GBL was just a ponzi scheme.

The travel alone is sucking up assets on every team. Travel from the Mexican border to the Canadian border and then around trips to Hawaii for every team.

Tijuana was the biggest mistake ever made.

I was at a Yuma game in June. The actual attendance may have been around 50.

St. George is hanging on a thread and the previous owner must be glad he sold the team last year.

Looking at the OC schedule, most of the time they play a single game and a double header. This must be from their high rental costs.

You don’t want travel teams. The Continental League just finished their 4th season and folded. They have two real teams and two travel teams that were a joke. Now, the Pecos Baseball League with the same teams for 2011.

[wasteland]

St. George is hanging on a thread and the previous owner must be glad he sold the team last year.



http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4063505

[Pounder]

A good number of leagues are ponzi schemes. This one happens to be less well executed.

A league with Maui amongst mainlanders should collapse by, oh, about now.

Even a league without Maui has too big a jump from OC (if they survive) to Calgary and Edmonton.

Victoria was actually in the Northwest League once. I doubt Royal Athletic passes their standards. However, college wood-bat in the Northwest is taking on a life of its own- that seems appropriate for Victoria under current circumstances.

[ca]

with woes as dumb (or spoiled or lazy ) owners are all over north america

[Pounder]

It's very important to understand: if the days of family-run-and-passed-down sports teams ever existed, it certainly doesn't now.

Most owners come in dumb, that's just the lay of the land, and you can merely hope they grow a brain before they fail. The odds are against.

[Darrenpuppa]

Can anyone explain how the business model is flawed err ponzi scheme. I've read a lot of articles on the success of the league in the few years.

[Silver Sox Fan]

The unfortunate part of this whole situation is that GBL seems to have lost its way. Kevin Outcault really gives great interviews in the media and, in the early days of the league, really responded well to fans both on this board and in personal e-mails. One bit of info he gave is that the goal of team owners is to make a profit in the first three years. In fact he talked about this in an article this season about Maui. He said that if things totally bomb in the first year, you pull out. But if the signs are positive (sponsorship, ticket sales, etc) you stick with it knowing the first two years will be at a loss.

So why would they bring in three owners (St. George, Yuma, and Tijuana) who don't even have the resources to make it out of their first year?

I think this is where the ponzi scheme allegations come in. The bottom line is that the GBL has a history of not paying its bills and that had a number of second and third order effects that included killing San Diego and Long Beach. Chico was also in that boat according to an article where Mike Marshall said this year that he had to mend a lot of bridges and that this was a turning year as the lease with Nettleton was coming up.

So the GBL makes money by selling franchises. This is where the ponzi scheme comes in. Each year, franchises are sold and that money runs the league. It would appear the GBL really needed the money as they brought on owners who may have had the entry fee but not the proper financial backing to run a team.

With annual operating expenses at about $1M (give or take) and expecting to take a loss for two years one would expect, with the addition of start up costs, that a potential owner would need to have access to several million dollars to be a viable candidate. That obviously was not the case this year.

In fact, Dave Kaval has stated many times that his goal was to have 50% of the teams league owned and 50% privately owned. It would appear that they needed extra money as they sold more than 50% of the teams and lowered their standards as to who could own a team (compare ownership groups of OC, EDM, and CAL to TJ, YUM, and STG).

So now 3 privately owned teams collapse and with them, the league is damaged. Having games cancelled, putting a team on the road (STG), and having what basically amount to patsy teams in TJ and Yuma (TJ gave up 25 runs in a game to OC...seriously?) now reduces the value of all teams. Less people come to the games when the game day product is poor and I can tell you from first hand experience in Reno, that is exactly what happened here.

The ponzi scheme works as long as you keep expanding but now that money will be poured back into the three teams the league seized. And you know the successful teams (i.e. Canadian) hate that as schedules will be rearranged or games will be cancelled which affect ticket sales (especially group sales) and sponsorships.

Sports are an interesting business and I am a GBL supporter for many reasons. But this year it is obvious that the wheels fell off of the organization. Will they survive? I think so. But it is a huge step back for a league that has steadily improved for the past 5 years in many areas.

[TOROSFAN]

E-TOWN....totally agree...but I would go to 16 games(80)...4 sets of 4 games would increase revenue and not hurt the expenses. I would also schedule so season including playoffs ends by 8/31...dbl hdrs will help this and the fans will appreciate it.

[Starwing1272]

I've gotta agree with you there. Would definatly make it easier for the fans to see some good baseball games

[Lunkhead]

One of the biggest problems with the GBL is the league sells teams to whomever has the funds, they do not check the financial background and when the deal has been completed they give no support nor do they train the new owners how to run a successful franchise. The owners run out of funds and then the league takes the team back and repeats the process. It is a sad day when everybody blames the ownership groups that bring baseball to your communities, the blame should lay with the GBL and communities should filing grevenaces with them and demand they provide a better product from the beginning, however nobody will do this since the league makes money, the city, county or university makes money and the suppliers make money. The losers are the team owners who put up millions of dollars, sponsor who support the team and spend money and of course the fans get it the worst because they buy merchandise, tickets and put their support behind the team to find out in the season or the end of the season they no longer have a team or they have changed names due to a new ownership. It is very disappointing and the GBL should be ashamed of themselves, but they are not since Kaval and Outcalt are doing fine.

[TOROSFAN]

News Flash...will Maui come to the Mainland again? My guess is that with financial issues they got a break from the last trip...it wasn't just a Yuma/TJ issue...now will the GBL give them another break and let them skip their next trip or will something come up that will change the schedule again in their favor. Their 11 gm trip 8/19-8/29 with chico, OC and yuma is still not a done deal....it is critical to the South division! We'll see.

And, looking back, why did they get the only forfeit in the entire league vs TJ when many other teams had to change schedules....no forfeits...hmmmm and they won the 1st half by how much? .005 guess what, Yuma would have won it had they not received another gift from the GBL...hmmmm?

[Lunkhead]

I am sure they will make it to the mainland and they got the Forfeit because TJ had there equipment stolen and could not play, get your facts straight. And if you do not beleive the Maui would have beat TJ even if they played you do not pay much attention to the league and besides that they spanked Tuscon. So, you know everybodies financial situation and the outcome of games not played, you should not write the blogs you should be in a circus.

[TOROSFAN]

Lunkhead...good name! TJ's equipment being stolen has nothing to do with a forfeit...they could make up the game like many have done and are doing in this GBL debacle. To call some one out like you have with no idea of my backround or knowledge is the circus...anyone can speculate and the truth is Maui IS getting the sweet side of every issue...what other team will have had27 home games in a row, sleeping in their own beds and no travel...give me a break...that is way out of line!!
Maui may have beat TJ, I'll give you that, but you said I knew the outcome...sounds to me like you are the expert...if the game isn't played you never know, and what I said is it should be a make up game not a forfeit. Get a life and learn respect...;)
And oh by the way, if that game wasn't counted as a win, Yuma would have WON the 1st half by .010...think how Yuma feels with all that they have been through....or can you see another side?

[Lunkhead]

My Dear Friend:cool: Respect goes to those who know what they are talking about, Maui does not run the league it only participates in it and watch this week and see who goes the victor, I would put money on it that Yuma will not be the winning team. And in the GBL rules if a team cannot play due to no equipment, no players anything that is not caused by mother nature or airlines problems then it is a forfeit, plan and simple. If you know so much why do you not know that.:D

[TOROSFAN]

As I thought, you have no rebuttle to my blog...either on the home games in a row(27) or the way in which the GBL is handling the league in regards to leadership. I agreed that Maui is the better team, and that the week in Maui will not benefit Yuma's 2nd half...and that is my POINT...maui is getting the sweet side of a poorly run and managed league. I dont care who you favor as a team, but the scales have been tipped and there is no fixing this mess.

I haven't found nor do I think you have found or seen any GBL rules or rulebook posted or otherwise that speak to forfeits due to no equipment...my disagreement is in the process not the outcome...that the game could have been made up...is it TJ's fault that someone stole their equipment?...surely not, and definitely a mitigating exception IF there is such a rule. My concern is with the GBL and their never ending lack of deciseness and leadership.

Do you even know that the new players are being paid and traveled without the least bit of concern for the former players and their plight of not being paid for three checks...absolutely irresponsible and on the edge of criminal. In the interest of my thoughts and concerns and yours, I will say good day and move on. This message board speaks to the GBL and their lack of what I have spoken to.

Regards,

[Sinsan]

It's comical to watch your back and forth--lunkhead and torosfan. It's amusing that one of you insists that TJ's equipment was stolen --how about repossessed due to lack of payment? Yep--upper management walked in,gathered up uniforms and equipment, and said toodle-o. How about locking them out of the field? How about putting them in a 20 peso a night motel with no air? How about not being paid YET? There are players that are STILL owed pay from the early weeks of the TJ team. A few of them got 2 weeks pay the day they were flying to Maui--and thank goodness,cuz they have to pay 6 bucks for the meals after the games--there are no freebies! How about having to play baseball after you have had to lug all your suitcases across the border, hire a taxi to take you to a restaurant because the promised bus that was to take you to your next set of games didn't show up for hours and hours? Then having to play a game after many many hours of travel--ludicrous! Three weeks in Canada, no idea where there home field is when they return--oops, you don't have one--you're going to be a travel team,so we will put you on the back field at Yuma--oops, cant finish the game, cuz the lights went off. And yet, these guys play baseball,and are doing it well. Don't look for Maui to come back this way soon.

[TOROSFAN]

Sinsan...totally agree. I, like you have personal knowledge in this matter as I know several dogs in this fight. They have moved on and are still owed 3 checks but have found a better team and they are thankful to be out of that debacle...they'll never see the $$ and life goes on, but not under those horrible circumstances any more. Fight on Yuma and TJ and now St G....who's next to fall in the GBL?

[E-TownCaps]

With the GBL in question next year the three canadian clubs may have to form there own league. With teams in Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Portland, Ottawa, and maybe Winnipeg this league could become very successful. Any thoughts?

[OttawaBallFan]

Hey E-TownCaps, my thoughts, speaking as an Ottawa native.

If the GBL is really in that much trouble as I read on this board, I don't want the GBL to come here. There's enough pessimism in this town that baseball wouldn't work here that's the last thing we need is a badly managed league which sounds like it might fold soon.

To give you some history of baseball in Ottawa, the AAA Lynx left because of poor attendance. We had a Can-Am team in 2008 but the owner claimed bankruptcy while alienating fans. The league was ready to take over in 2009 (with a new team name thanks to shaninigans from the previous owner) but no owner for the Atlantic City franchise was found. Rather than having to pay the bills for two teams, which they couldn't afford, the league contracted to six teams. Some media here twisted things by saying we couldn't hold on to three teams (really one, the Lynx).

This year, we did have a semi-pro team and the owner talked about getting a GBL team. Attendance was good (2300), as good as the Can-Am team (2200) which is what can be expected in this town, but the attendance to a semi-pro team surprised even myself. If we do get a GBL team and the league folds, that'll be the excuse the city needs to tear town our beautiful stadium and build yet another big box store in its place, something I don't want.

Besides, I think a Can-Am team makes more sense for this town.

You talk about Winnipeg but they have a very successful Northern League team. Last I knew, Portland was in Oregon. No reason they can't form a league where teams are mostly Canadian however. You'd really have four teams in that league unless you can convince other cities to join. But Ottawa being so far away, I don't think is a viable option. Also, doesn't Portland have a minor league team?

For the remnants of a GBL to be successful, you'd need a few more teams, and not one two thousand miles away. And if the problems are because of league management, that has to change too.

[TOROSFAN]

As I mentioned earlier this year...Maui in trouble...are they the next casualty in the GBL? No attendance, 125 season tickets, travel $$. I knew that's why they didn't make the earlier trip and played MEGA home games in their own beds. Another GBL issue to salvage a team as they continue to NEVER learn about expansion and expenses. I hope Maui owner can survive...we'll see. This will be a VERY interesting playoffs with all the travel and the off season will be a revamping of all teams...

http://ocflyers.blogspot.com/?CFID=4615140&CFTOKEN=93130312

[WallysWorld]

If the GBL does under or the three Canadian teams leave the GBL, then they will either try to join the Northern League or just fold up house.

No prospect really of an all-Canadian league in my opinion as baseball is just not that popular up here.

But I see the GBL still being around next year with about 8 teams. I see Tucson, Yuma, Chico, Orange County and yes, even Maui returning with the three Canadian teams. Portland remains the big question mark.

Has anyone heard what's happening with the supposed Palm Spring expansion team?

[OttawaBallFan]

> baseball is just not that popular up here.

I beg to differ. Explain Quebec having best attendance in Can-Am, over 1000 more per game than next team. They are doing things right over there with good management.

As I recall, Winnipeg in the Northern always has done well. In fact, this year, they lead the league. Two of three Canadians teams in GBL last year above league average. This year, Calgary is a hair under (figures from Pointstreak). Even here in Ottawa, 2300 a game for a SEMI-PRO team.

So, if baseball is not popular in Canada, why so many teams doing better than their American counterparts?

Agree that Canadian teams will likely fold if the GBL folds. Not sure if the Northern will take some of them. I don't see Victoria joining that league and even Calgary and Edmonton are a stretch. The Northern has 3 teams in Illinois and is very centralized in that part of the country.

As for an all-canadian league, that was tried and botched in 2003 so I don't expect another go at it anytime soon, if ever.

[hot_corner]

>So, if baseball is not popular in Canada, why so many teams doing better than their American counterparts?

The reason the Canadian teams draw relatively well compared to those in the states is that indy ball is all we've got up here. In the US the market is so saturated with all the affiliated minor leagues not to mention MLB itself, all of whom I'm assuming put on a better show than the GBL. Frankly if I had the choice I'd rather go see a good AA or AAA game filled with actual prospects, big league-rs on rehab stints, etc. We don't have that choice up here though so for the few true baseball fans it's either the GBL or stay home.

For anybody who thinks baseball is a real popular sport up here, try to have a conversation about baseball with your fields and count how long it lasts until it somehow gets turned into a hockey discussion - my bet is 5 minutes max.

[OttawaBallFan]

> indy ball is all we've got up here.

True, and your saturation argument is valid as well. But it can't be the sole reason. There are markets not saturated by the minors which don't attract fans. Granted, there can be a million reasons, a major one in my mind having to do with marketing.

> try to have a conversation about baseball

I used to think the same way. But there are baseball fans here. And very knowledgeable too. I've even met a few who like me want nothing to do with hockey!

[TOROSFAN]

If the GBL does under or the three Canadian teams leave the GBL, then they will either try to join the Northern League or just fold up house.

No prospect really of an all-Canadian league in my opinion as baseball is just not that popular up here.

But I see the GBL still being around next year with about 8 teams. I see Tucson, Yuma, Chico, Orange County and yes, even Maui returning with the three Canadian teams. Portland remains the big question mark.

Has anyone heard what's happening with the supposed Palm Spring expansion team?


Not a Canadian, but I think a 4th team in Canada would be very possible. If the 3 teams already avg over 2000, then baseball is popular...even moreso based on your countries love of Hockey...the sports are opposite seasons and not related to each other in terms of draw vs sport...the real baseball fans are growing in canada and I think one would be underestimating the popularity based on the attendace now. It may be the only way to save the league with 4 teams in North and 4 teams in South...

Each team makes 1 road trip series to play north and south...north plays each team 15 times south the same...north travels south early due to weather and vice versa in july aug.

South travels north to play 5 gms vs 4 teams- 20 games and north the same.
total games about 65-70 each. I think that would work, and save the GBL...or it will have to go to 6 teams like United league and top 4 to playoffs...

6 Teams: 3 Canada, Maui, Chico, and Tucson.

Don't think Yuma has a chance, or OC unless they draw people and OC and Yuma have never done that. Maui will only survive 1 more year...maybe?...unless they get another team to play on Oahu or Big island to create a rivalry fan base like canada and then you add Chico and Tucson.

But, Baseball is a true growing sport in Canada IMHO.

[E-TownCaps]

The only reason I came up with Ottawa was the fact they were brought up before, and it some what makes sense. Having Ottawa and Winnipeg join creates 5 teams in Canada. Flights would not be a problem as from each city it is direct, making a road trip ie: edmonton to Ottawa is a 3 hour flight having you could play a 4 game series in Ottawa then head to Winnipeg for a 4 game series, for a team like Victoria you could make it a 3 city stop Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa. As for down south having teams in Tucson, Chico, and Orange County and adding a team in Portland would help. Portland is a former AAA market to go along with Tucson, Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa. Portland has a junior hockey team in the WHL that plays games against cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Brandon which is not far from winnipeg. Having this happen in the GBL can't make it any worse.

[OttawaBallFan]

I know air travel is routine these days. But for an Ottawa team to travel across a minimum of 2 time zones for every road trip, I don't see it. Just doesn't seem to make sense. For the same reason for Victoria to be in the Northern League and traveling 2 time zones going east for every road trip.

[DoyleG]

Not a Canadian, but I think a 4th team in Canada would be very possible. If the 3 teams already avg over 2000, then baseball is popular...even moreso based on your countries love of Hockey...the sports are opposite seasons and not related to each other in terms of draw vs sport...the real baseball fans are growing in canada and I think one would be underestimating the popularity based on the attendace now. It may be the only way to save the league with 4 teams in North and 4 teams in South...

Each team makes 1 road trip series to play north and south...north plays each team 15 times south the same...north travels south early due to weather and vice versa in july aug.

South travels north to play 5 gms vs 4 teams- 20 games and north the same.
total games about 65-70 each. I think that would work, and save the GBL...or it will have to go to 6 teams like United league and top 4 to playoffs...

6 Teams: 3 Canada, Maui, Chico, and Tucson.

Don't think Yuma has a chance, or OC unless they draw people and OC and Yuma have never done that. Maui will only survive 1 more year...maybe?...unless they get another team to play on Oahu or Big island to create a rivalry fan base like canada and then you add Chico and Tucson.

But, Baseball is a true growing sport in Canada IMHO.

Actually, baseball been on a decline at all levels since the mid 90s even with the idea of a recent upswing. Much of the change has to do with the fact that minor league baseball left and that MLB has left Montreal and T.O. has seen its fortunes decline. GBL may seem to have the fans to support it, but it doesn't have the same footprint that was found in the minor league system (there used to be 4 minor league teams in Alberta).

The only true growing sports in Canada are soccer and basketball. They took off at the same time baseball started to go into a decline.

[LivefromChico]

You all are mentioning that the GBL will be back in Chico next year. Don't count on it. They don't have a lot of friends here, just put it that way.

[WallysWorld]

Actually, baseball been on a decline at all levels since the mid 90s even with the idea of a recent upswing. Much of the change has to do with the fact that minor league baseball left and that MLB has left Montreal and T.O. has seen its fortunes decline. GBL may seem to have the fans to support it, but it doesn't have the same footprint that was found in the minor league system (there used to be 4 minor league teams in Alberta).The only true growing sports in Canada are soccer and basketball. They took off at the same time baseball started to go into a decline.

I would disagree with you about the growth of soccer and basketball in Canada. Sure there will be three Canadians team in MLS in a few years but outside the 20,000 or so that support Toronto FC right now (and later Vancouver and Montreal), the rest of Canada doesn't give a hoot about soccer. Toronto FC's ratings on CBC are terrible at only 57,000 viewers across Canada. Blue Jays broadcasts get in the 150-300,000 range at their worst while CFL's ratings are hovering around 800,000 to 1 million viewers. Soccer will always be a niche sport in Canada no matter how many Canadians play organized soccer.

Same thing with basketball as the Raptors are barely followed outside of Toronto. Personally I know of absolutely no one that follows NBA basketball here in Calgary.

That being said, there probably is a market in Canada for minor league baseball teams that can average around 1,500 to 2,000 per game. Winnipeg is obviously an expection when it comes to the Goldeyes, but then again the AAA Cannons drew great crowds here in Calgary for about a decade before finally fading.

[DoyleG]

I would disagree with you about the growth of soccer and basketball in Canada. Sure there will be three Canadians team in MLS in a few years but outside the 20,000 or so that support Toronto FC right now (and later Vancouver and Montreal), the rest of Canada doesn't give a hoot about soccer. Toronto FC's ratings on CBC are terrible at only 57,000 viewers across Canada. Blue Jays broadcasts get in the 150-300,000 range at their worst while CFL's ratings are hovering around 800,000 to 1 million viewers. Soccer will always be a niche sport in Canada no matter how many Canadians play organized soccer.

Same thing with basketball as the Raptors are barely followed outside of Toronto. Personally I know of absolutely no one that follows NBA basketball here in Calgary.

That being said, there probably is a market in Canada for minor league baseball teams that can average around 1,500 to 2,000 per game. Winnipeg is obviously an expection when it comes to the Goldeyes, but then again the AAA Cannons drew great crowds here in Calgary for about a decade before finally fading.

Basing your assumption on TV ratings is a rather weak one. The 300,000 level for Jays broadcasts is their high level and is well down from its peak. At that point, the viewership doesn't extend beyond Southern Ontario, which only confirms the decline.

Active participation in baseball has been on the decline in Canada ever since the mid-90's and has been backed up by active research into the subject. Its already evident in the way baseball works in Canada today, from grassroots all the way up to the provincial league.

[OttawaBallFan]

> That being said, there probably is a market in Canada for minor league baseball teams that can average around 1,500 to 2,000 per game.

Agree. But that discounts AAA and even AA ball. The best is A-ball and even short season, especially for northern cities. Besides, right now I don't think the minors want teams in Canada, the International League certainly doesn't. If it wasn't for independent leagues, there'd be no professional baseball in Canada.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

I have a feeling that there is NO future with the GBL anymore. The fans in Chico would usually celebrate a big championship like this year's GBL Championship, but with no parade and celebration in the City Plaza, it looks as though the GBL has wore out its welcome in Chico. Too bad for Chico because the Outlaws have become a puppet for the league. Hope bringing minor league baseball to Chico will help fans forget about the GBL.

[skippy]

If I'm Tucson, I would leave for the AA for a year and then join the Atlantic League.

[ChicoOutlawsFan]

You all are mentioning that the GBL will be back in Chico next year. Don't count on it. They don't have a lot of friends here, just put it that way.

Not anymore, at least. Although now they are starting to hope for single-A ball in the future at a new stadium, should one be built.

[E-TownCaps]

With Tucson all but gone this year it leaves the GBL with 3 stable teams in Edmonton, Calgary, and Victoria. The GBL must take a long look at expanding to Portland the market is there for baseball and the travel for the 3canadian teams is close. It looks like Chico will be back for another year and maybe Orange County, and Yuma. What about the disscussion of Palm Springs it was brought up last year as a possible destination for expansion. I wonder if the GBL has ever considered joining up with the UBL, I mean it could work very well for the GBL. And what about the 4 teams left in the Northern League could they be an option.

[smallballfan]

There's no suitable, lighted ballpark in Portland, that's why the AAA team left. Tucson isn't 'all but' gone, it's gone, per the announcement yesterday. Don't know that much about OC or Chico except what I read, and I never believe what I read from the GL. Seems neither place wants them back, the only people who appear to believe they'll return is the GL staff, and they're paid (or in most cases, not paid) to say that. Joining the UL or the remaining NL is a pretty bad option due to travel costs. Look what happened with Hawaii this year.

The GL can't afford to pay players, hotel bills, staff, etc,. No reason to believe they have the wherewithal to travel all over the continent. Don't know where that leaves the solid organizations in Canada, which sucks for the good people trying to make baseball work.

Guess we'll find out next spring when the big announcement comes out about the new Tijuana, etc., teams.

[LaVidaLoca]

Ok..latest news from a very good source!

Maui taken over by OC... TRUE...OC has taken over the Maui franchise with Maui ownership out. A lot of bills to be paid by former Maui people but the deal is done. Don't know the particulars of team name, mgmt etc, but the move is on. Don't know how they will afford it as former team owners couldn't, but I guess they will give it a go. Maybe former owners will buy a team on another island...who knows..maybe 4 teams now...I'm sure the deal fell through for OC 's new stadium so they had to do something. Also, RUMOR is thst Capitals are all but gone. Will know more on that at a later date. Aloha GBL

[E-TownCaps]

Capitals all but gone? Where did you hear that. They are the most stable franchise in the GBL, the only way they are gone is if they move to another league. The Caps are already out in Edmonton promoting for next year with the hiring for Orv Franchuck as manager and hosting a world series party last week. Go to the Caps website for more details.

[LaVidaLoca]

I can only tell you that there are many leagues that want the Canadian teams and Edmonton is probably the first to go...they are a great franchise as are the 2 others in Canada, but that is what I was told...it's not a secret that they are not happy in the GBL. They can sell tickets to whatever league they decide to go...the fans don't care, they just want good baseball...I will say the fans will be unhappy if they cannot play the Seals and the Vipers, but you have to go where your franchise is profitable and successful and the GBL is neither.
Once again, you have seen no action by any team in the transactions on the GBL web. That's because many teams have been looking elsewhere and none are ready to commit to the GBL. If they do commit, you will see a 1 year deal. Many of the good solid players are already out there looking to move to AA, Can-am, Atl and others leagues to play. It is Nov 4 and most of the player contracts expire Nov 15...a lot will happen soon...just wait.

[E-TownCaps]

With the money the Capitals have it would not surprise me if a move to the AA maybe in the works. The Caps organization was interested in bringing AAA baseball back to Edmonton for the 2011 season but that won't happen. They are the only team I know of who flys everywhere in the GBL and perhaps moving to the AA would not make a difference. They may have to make a deal with the AA in flying the other teams into Edmonton but that stuff could all be worked out. If Edmonton goes so will Calgary it makes sense for teams from the AA to make a trip to Edmonton and play 4 games, and then move on the Calgary and play 4 games. Only time will tell :confused: .

[TOROSFAN]

Totally agree!

[TOROSFAN]

Now the GBL has real trouble without Victoria...this may cause real trouble in Canada. No one on either team has been conatacvted about their contracts or 2011 Sp Tr...very unusual and not a good sign. Edmonton was close to deciding on cutting loose, so this may be the straw...as for Calgary, they have to either find a new league fast, or call it quits also.

Now the GBL has very few ways to exist:

Yuma, never happen now...maybe Pecos League
Toros...gone
St G...gone
Seals...gone
Mexico...gone
Maui...gone

Slightly hanging on by a thread:

OC...in Maui, who will they play now? Are they flying to mainland to play 3 teams?? Ha!
Chico, possible
Calgary...possible, but doubt it
Edmonton...possible, but doubt it

As we all can see, the GBL is done or they can try to sell the teams to another league. But, who would want a poorly managed GBL team to merge with their already troubled leagues? Also, if the other 3 teams (except OC) stay, do you really think they will pay $20,000 in expenses to play in Maui? NO, NO, NO! Bad move OC..And, if the few remaining teams did merge, the GBL mgmt wouldn't be involved in the new league and then no payday for them...too bad.

Any other ideas out there?

SAD, SAD, SAD but it isn't a surprise.