Frontier-Northern Leagues merger discussed

[radiodavel]

Frontier-Northern Leagues merger discussed
http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070511/SPORTS08/105110042/1001

The Senior Reports
http://www.bright.net/~wkki/sreport.htm

[nlfan]

There's been a lot more about the merger story in other locations.

Much of it has been discussed here: http://p200.ezboard.com/fnlfanmessageboardfrm1.showMessage?topicID=479.top ic

Ballpark Digest got a flat denial from FL commish Bill Lee. A second story came out of Traverse City MI: http://www.record-eagle.com/2007/may/12bums.htm

Bottom line is the FL DID have a discussion but "tabled" it immediately since the differences between leagues are still too great. That said, there still are owners (like Ciarrachi in Rockford) who'd like to see it happen and hold out hope it will.

[balaspa]

it seems like this is almost inevitable. This year they even had exhibition games in the Chicago area where Frontier League teams played Northern League teams. Also, it seems like the two leagues consistently trade players with one another.

I know some fans would be upset, but I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing.

[nlfan]

The NoL also had exhibition games with the AA (American Association) clubs that left it. That doesn't mean there's any chance they'll get together.

Trading players is nothing new. The FL is a "development" league with an "age cap" so it has always produced players that move into other leagues. Several former FL managers are in the NoL also. That also helps trades between the league.

Still, if things do not improve in the NoL (expansion, profits), this rumor may return for a third year.