Williams defends Anacostia site for ballpark – The Wash. Times
Mayor Anthony Williams is not wavering from the Anacostia waterfront location for the ballpark. Land acquisition could through eminent domain could begin next week.
This and almost every article posted today has some variation from the mayor about Jeff Smulyan’s bid:
I have a concern that he [Mr. Smulyan] isn’t in the city. I have a concern that his participation in and of itself is diluted by corporate investment, in other words his investment [is] out of town [and] is not even his personally.
The last thing I want is some far-and-distant corporation having a major stake, control and direction over the baseball franchise.
HARRY JAFFE – Williams needs to seal a deal – The Wash. Examiner
Longtime D.C. observer Jaffe notes that Williams has not shown that he is a closer and he undermines the ballpark by spending too much time in China or other locations out of town.
More from The Post: Tracking D.C.’s Traveling Man
Tenuous Relationship Between Mayor, MLB – AP/WTOP
The mayor thinks it will all work out between him, the council, and MLB, but it is tense right now.
New ballpark should aim for ‘potty parity’ – The Wash. Times
A GW prof might sue to get more women’s restrooms in the new ballpark.
Baseball Bidders Malek, Zients Meet With Selig – The Post
Yesterday, the Washington Baseball Club was in Milwaukee visiting with Bud Selig. The commissioner is apparently seeking a “comfort level” before he makes the decision.
One thing that has gotten lost in all the Smulyan talk is that WBC’s Fred Malek is not exactly a stranger to MLB. He was a former minority partner in the Texas Rangers. That cannot hurt too much. Barry Srvluga keeps saying that he does not think Smulyan gets the team.