Looks like the Marlins might be looking for a new home and Portland probably tops the list (came in 2nd to Washington D.C. for the Expos)...

http://collegesportsinfo.com/blog/

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First off, MLB will never go 15 & 15.

Second... http://www.oregonstadiumcampaign.com/

Look for the message board. They will keep people up to date.

IMO, this process WILL end up with the Marlins moving... but it will take about the same amount of time it took to move the Expos (5 year minimum). There are too many factors preventing cities from giving MLB what they want... a fully publically funded facility in a suitable market.

Charlotte can upset the apple cart here. I'm convinced MLB wants that TV market more than they want Portland.

The whole Las Vegas dance is a charade, FYI.

MLB may want Charlotte, but I'm not convinced Charlotte wants MLB. Most of the yearning seems a response to the immature notion that cities without pro sports aren't major. Most Charlotte residents I know are content with NASCAR, College ball and the two pro franchises they have: The basketball meeting a downright need and football meeting the primary want. I'm not ruling them out, but I'd be surprised to see the City and NC produce the ultimate package as part of a bidding war; This just isn't their priority.

I don't think Vegas is all smoke, either. More than any other sport baseball is the one that can comfortably couple with tourism. More home games played overall, fans following visiting teams can stay for 2-4 games... My bro-in-law used to live there and he calls the interest sincere, especially given how LV has really turned on the family-appeal side of it's tourism.

The Tokyo Mariners are understandably opposed.

They should not move the Marlins to Portland. They should take away the team from the Jeff Lorie and give to somebody else.

While I know better than to, um, take certain posters seriously, let's go back to Major League Economics 511.

In a better world, the Marlins ARE yanked from Jeff Lorie. For that matter, I'm guessing that Heaven's Baseball has no owners that ever deserved jail time... and might be pro/rel. (Hmmm... did I just open a Pandora's Box argument about the bottom rung of Heaven's Baseball?)

In this world, MLB is going to go from Hell to New Orleans to look for public funding for stadia. There's a caveat, however, as in the market also has to marry to a buyer. In all reality, while MLB has more latitude than most sports leagues in moving and revoking franchises, the owners run the show. They're going to follow the money. Don't be surprised to see the most vile movements known to man (of which the Marlins to Portland wouldn't even be close... as it appears Miami doesn't really support this team to the level that most teams get support).

Now, if you want justice in all this, call your congressman. DEMAND that the anti-trust exemption granted baseball be tied to owners paying for their own ballparks, or be yanked from them. That'll get their attention. That might possibly even keep the Marlins in Miami.

Yeah, but what about the part where I don't want the Marlins in Miami? ;)

I agree, this antitrust thing is heinous(sp?) but until it's revoked the owners will act like the scoundrels they are.

If they leave is there any chance they can take the Panthers with them?! Please! ;D

7 cities have contacted the Marlins. Included in that group are beleived to be:
Portland
Las Vegas
E. Rutherford, NJ
San Juan
Charlotte



http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/13298020.htm

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Add San Antonio to the list.

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NL West:

Portland
San Francisco
LA Dodgers
San Diego
Arizona

NL Central:

Colorado
Houston
Saint Louis
Chicago
Milwaukee

NL East:

Atlanta
Washington
New York Mets
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Cincinnati

Interesting little twist on the Marlins issue...

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/13792761.htm

There's a lot of veiled threats and vaporware yet to pass under the bridge, so any "I told you so" comments are quite premature. I based my opinion on testimony and logic... no way in Hell that casinos are going to let Las Vegas commit public funds to a ballpark, and I just don't think a casino wants to waste potentially valuable space for slots or poker with a privately funded ballpark.