Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 There's a brief note in today's Chicago Tribune stating the White Sox are considering moving their spring training home from Tucson to Tempe, just east of Phoenix. Reinsdorf is to meet with Tempe officials on Monday. The Sox have one year left on their agreement with Tucson Electric Park and are committed to hold spring training there in 2004. The Angels have informed Tempe officials they will be moving from Tempe Diablo Stadium and relocating their spring training site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubsSuck1 Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 I am a big fan of TEP and the Tuscon spring training scene. It seems a lot nicer than when I was up in Phoenix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubKilla Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Reinsdorf is to meet with Tempe officials on Monday. Meaning Reinsdorf is asking the City of Tempe how much will they give him to move the White Sox' ST to their fair city. Probably asking for free rent while he's at it too. Cheapskate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 The whole issue with Tucson vs. Tempe is twofold: 1). The grind on the players from having to travel by bus up to the Phoenix area to play a lot of their games. Now before anyone says "poor babies", it just adds to the grind of a long season and there are only three teams in Tucson right now, those being the Sox, Arizona, and Colorado. In my opinion, they're better off playing more against other teams rather than having tons of games vs. Arizona and Colorado. 2). The Valley cities down there clearly recognize the value of having a Chicago team based in their home park. The Phoenix area has tons of transplanted Chicagoans ... The Cubs have pumped a great deal of tourist money into the Mesa economy. So Tempe, Scottsdale, etc. basically become engaged in a bidding war, of sorts, to draw major league franchises to their cities. The Sox have also considered Scottsdale as a new spring training site, possibly sharing the Scottsdale Stadium facilities with the SF Giants. I've been to just about every facility in Tucson and the Phoenix area, and I'd rate the facilities at Tempe and TEP in Tucson favorably with any out there. Obvously, the Sox think they can draw better in the metro Phoenix area than Tucson. If that's the case, why not consider a move. It's simply good business on many levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Neglected to add, Tucson is a fabulous small city and from a personal standpoint, I'd like to see the Sox stay there as we've been starting to look for a winter place down there. Much less congestion than metro Phoenix. Although you young guys would absolutely love the Scottsdale scene ... some of the "scenery" down there makes your "post hot chicks pix here" thread look like trail dirt. Some of the most stunning, intelligent, and lovely women I've ever seen frequent Scottsdale dining and nightlife establishments. And that's just during the week ... on the weekends it's too incredible for words! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elrockinMT Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 I think they should move the spring training headquarters to Montana. It would toughen them up for that April schedule when the Sox are playing in cold weather so often. We need to get off to a good start in the beginning of the season and that would really help I think. Comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 I am a big fan of TEP and the Tuscon spring training scene. It seems a lot nicer than when I was up in Phoenix. I think the Phoenix area quite a bit. But TEP is a great facility. I would rather see the White Sox share a facility with someone other then go to where the Angles played. The Angels have a very nice facility, but TEP was beautiful. Where KC and Texas play is absolutely amazing and the Brewers have a nice facility that isn't shared. I'd think that JR would like to cut a deal to share the Giants facility in Scottsdale which is a beautiful stadium done by the guy who designed Camden Yards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 There's lots more room for facilities and parking at Tempe Diablo than Scottsdale Stadium, although the Scottsdale facility is very nice as you say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 There's lots more room for facilities and parking at Tempe Diablo than Scottsdale Stadium, although the Scottsdale facility is very nice as you say. The only thing I wonder with Tempe Diablo and Scottsdales facility is where are the minor league fields. I know the Angels have two practice fields at Tempe Diablo and then the main stadium but at TEP their are a ton of practice fields for all the minor leaguers. I know Milwaulkee's stadium was built for two teams and its a great facility, although Maryville isn't quite in Phoenix, but its only about 15-20 minutes away. Agree with you about parking at Scottsdale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickman Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Neglected to add, Tucson is a fabulous small city and from a personal standpoint, I'd like to see the Sox stay there as we've been starting to look for a winter place down there. Much less congestion than metro Phoenix. Although you young guys would absolutely love the Scottsdale scene ... some of the "scenery" down there makes your "post hot chicks pix here" thread look like trail dirt. Some of the most stunning, intelligent, and lovely women I've ever seen frequent Scottsdale dining and nightlife establishments. And that's just during the week ... on the weekends it's too incredible for words! Jim, As you know I love TEP, but have also been to Tempe. Its a nice park as well, and from a convienence sake better for the club. The travel sucked and quite frankly that park belonged to the D backs anyway. I have relatives 20 minutes from the Tempe park so very convienent for the spring. Anyway, my main question is where are the Angels going and why? Colon is a piece of s*** idiot. He won't get much more than 12 million if he even gets that. its hard for fans to be loyal to players when this type of crap happens. I am concerned about this year because alot comes down to Konerko. He takes up alot of payroll, and I am sick of him lumbering down the field, not to mention he is a headcase. If he doesn't take up 8 million we could fill some pitching holes. Pisses me off. Looks like Gaston or Guillen, not thrilled with either. Still waiting for Corgs prediction on KW. NOT Are you going to sox fest? That covers it, Did I miss anything? Oh yeah Cubs Blow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Lopez Ghost (old) Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 I think they should move the spring training headquarters to Montana. It would toughen them up for that April schedule when the Sox are playing in cold weather so often. We need to get off to a good start in the beginning of the season and that would really help I think. Comments? I'm guessing there's plenty of places there for Rowand to ride his bike off a mountain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 TQ, I'm not certain about the Angels, but I do know Cleveland wants to go back to Tucson ... they trained there for 40+ years until the '94 season. Angels may build their own facility, but more than likely bunk in with another team somewhere. I'm not sure why they're unhappy in Tempe, I like that park a lot. My plan for Tucson is roughly 3/16-3/22 .. some time in Phoenix, weekend in Tucson. Would like to go down in Dec./Jan. too, get out of the cold for a few days. SoxFest ... of course! Gaston or Guillen ... agreed, both have "holes" in their resumes. Not shocked about Colon, they need to trade for or sign somebody. I expect at least one big name from this year's team to get moved, the salary numbers don't seem to fit. Problem is, quite a few of the FA pitchers are represented by Boras. Was out with Wills, Shane, and DiCotto last nite ... Bar Louie, you can put it on the board, yes! Features was hopping too ... lots of very, ahem, intriguing Halloween costumes in dowtown Naperville. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Neglected to add, Tucson is a fabulous small city and from a personal standpoint, I'd like to see the Sox stay there as we've been starting to look for a winter place down there. Much less congestion than metro Phoenix. Although you young guys would absolutely love the Scottsdale scene ... some of the "scenery" down there makes your "post hot chicks pix here" thread look like trail dirt. Some of the most stunning, intelligent, and lovely women I've ever seen frequent Scottsdale dining and nightlife establishments. And that's just during the week ... on the weekends it's too incredible for words! Thats why I like the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale area more. Their are a lot of things to do at night after catching the ball game and such. I cna't wait for this spring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 The Angels new owner Moreno owns a lot of land in the Goodyear area, which is about 30 minutes West of Phoenix on the 10. It would be a dumb move in my opinion, but their was a good article in the register all about it. I do agree though, more people would go to games in the Phoenix area because so many people are from Chicago. The Cubs draw a huge attendance in Mesa. Also, JR lives in Scottsdale during the winter if I recall. As long as the Sox stay away from Oaklands Facility (Its pretty weak) and Hi Corbett then I think they are just fine. I think I saw where the Indians will likely replace the Sox at TEP. The Dodgers were going to move out to Arizona, but I think that talk has lessened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 In Tucson, try 4th Avenue, near the AU campus. Three great bars all in the same block ... O'Malleys, Maloney's and The Shanty. Believe me, you won't need to go anywhere else. Nice people and a really fun atmosphere. Gentle Ben's brewpub in the shadow of the campus is another excellent place. Tucson has quite a bit to do, and its share of nightlife, along with plenty of things to do during the day if you're an outdoors type and there isn't a game going on. It tends to be about 3-4 degrees cooler than Phoenix due to the higher elevation, but the past few springs we've went, the weather has been nothing short of spectacular ... sunny and 80 degrees. Either way, even if the Sox move, I'm sure they'll continue to play a few games down in Tucson each year. At least I hope so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 Ya, weathers always nice. Nothing better then getting to watch the day games. Do you usually watch all the Sox games or do you check out other games when your there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 The Oakland facility is Phoenix Municipal Stadium, originally built for the SF Giants in the mid-60's. Decent place but as you say, definitely not as nice as others. Interesting historical note about Phoenix Municipal Stadium ... on the concourse just outside the playing area, they have some old fashioned light standards, they kind of look like old gas lamps. They were originally at the Polo Grounds in New York and were saved when the Polo Grounds was torn down in 1964. There's an excellent BBQ place just down the street from Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Washington called Honey Bear, it is Tennessee style BBQ, very authentic, inexpensive, and delicious. We buy sandwiches there and bring them into the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted November 1, 2003 Share Posted November 1, 2003 We basically just go to the Sox games although my brother-in-law dragged me to a Cubs-Giants game at HoHoKam two years ago, he wanted to see Bonds and Sosa. I wanted to get the hell out of there, as fast as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickman Posted November 2, 2003 Share Posted November 2, 2003 TQ, I'm not certain about the Angels, but I do know Cleveland wants to go back to Tucson ... they trained there for 40+ years until the '94 season. Angels may build their own facility, but more than likely bunk in with another team somewhere. I'm not sure why they're unhappy in Tempe, I like that park a lot. My plan for Tucson is roughly 3/16-3/22 .. some time in Phoenix, weekend in Tucson. Would like to go down in Dec./Jan. too, get out of the cold for a few days. SoxFest ... of course! Gaston or Guillen ... agreed, both have "holes" in their resumes. Not shocked about Colon, they need to trade for or sign somebody. I expect at least one big name from this year's team to get moved, the salary numbers don't seem to fit. Problem is, quite a few of the FA pitchers are represented by Boras. Was out with Wills, Shane, and DiCotto last nite ... Bar Louie, you can put it on the board, yes! Features was hopping too ... lots of very, ahem, intriguing Halloween costumes in dowtown Naperville. Jim, I will mark those dates for tucson. We will hook up before then to sync up. Who goes from your side? I want them to unload Konerko. Its a huge long shot but I will hate him more if we can't sign carlos because we have this guy. Dodgers are looking for a first baseman. It sounds like you tore it up at the bars, nice. Lots of Milf? s*** this town is filled with them. Wills is a riot. That guy is a hawk. Going out with Dave and his wife tonight. I will keep looking for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CubsSuck1 Posted November 2, 2003 Share Posted November 2, 2003 It seemed Tuscon was a lot calmer then phoenix, more low key, and easier to get tix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted November 2, 2003 Share Posted November 2, 2003 I think they should move the spring training headquarters to Montana. It would toughen them up for that April schedule when the Sox are playing in cold weather so often. We need to get off to a good start in the beginning of the season and that would really help I think. Comments? That would be rugged. And they'd (possibly) be within driving distance of me then too! Damn, that would be incredible. Those 45 degree days at the Cell in April and early May would feel like 50-60 if they started in Montana. I know it's in jest....but that would be excellent. And it would be funny as hell too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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