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Nats ballpark (yawn) - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Nats ballpark (yawn)
I have not been paying very much attention to the continuing saga of the Nats ballpark this week, it is getting very old and not much is really happening or will be for sometime. Anyhow, here are a few articles from the past few days: D.C. Metro Fund Weighed To Boost Navy Yard StopLand Sale Possible To Fund StadiumCity official: Lease still weeks awayThere may not be a vote until February. Ugh. Oh yeah, the Nats picked up a pitcher ( ESPN.com), Ramon Ortiz too. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 2:02 PM |
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Powell on "This Week" talks Nats - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Powell on "This Week" talks Nats
Powell Gives Thoughts On Stadium Deal - WRC-TVFormer Secretary Of State Colin Powell was on This Week with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. The two talked about a bunch of unimportant things for a while and then the topic of the Nats came up. The transcript follows: Buying the Nationals?
Stephanopoulos: You mentioned Washington, D.C. You want to be owner of the Washington, D.C., baseball team, the Nationals.
Powell: Well, I'm on a club that is trying to purchase the Washington Nationals from Major League Baseball, yes.
Stephanopoulos: Think you're going to get it?
Powell: I certainly hope so. The first thing we have to get is the stadium issue resolved. And the city council has now put that off until early next year.
And I hope the city council will find a way to support the stadium deal. That will work itself out one way or the other. And I think, after that, Major League Baseball will announce who they wish to see own the team.
And I'm fairly confident in the group I'm with, led by Fred Malek, a longtime Washington resident. And there are a lot of us on that club who have roots in this community.
And I think we can do, perhaps, a better job than any other group to represent the interests of the community and to make sure that the Washington Nationals reach out to the community, bring baseball back into the inner city, get more young African-American kids and other minority kids interested in baseball.
Stephanopoulos: Frank Robinson talked about that all the time.
Powell: Yes. And we can can do it. I think our club is perhaps better positioned for doing that.
But, George, you're giving me a golden opportunity to talk about my club and my company, but there are seven other competitors as well. They're not as good as us, of course.
Stephanopoulos: Well, it sounds like you think you're going to get it, then. You can read the whole transcript here from This Week here: Powell on Iraq, Domestic Spying and BaseballLabels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 8:00 AM |
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Nats: while we were out - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Nats: while we were out
In D.C. Drama Over Baseball, It's Hard to Tell Who's on First - The PostRemember that gigantic sucking sound last week? It was the leadership vacuum in the District and whenever there is a giant sucking sound in D.C. you know that Marion Barry ( file photo) is not far behind. Oh and just a reminder, Carol Schwartz (R, at-large) wanted everyone to know that she had nothing to do with Barry's plan.
Nats Bring Back Stanton, Look to Add Starters - The PostReliever Mike Stanton, who was traded for a couple of BoSox minor leaguers the last week of the season has resigned with the Nationals. That might have been the best trade Jim Bowden made all year. More from The Wash. Times: Nationals bring back StantonLabels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 6:20 AM |
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MLB is being dumb and greedy again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 22, 2005
MLB is being dumb and greedy again
Nats Bidders Told Not to Offer Funds - The PostAfter two prospective groups (Ledecky and Haney) tried to assure D.C. that they would pay for cost overruns, MLB e-mailed the prospective groups with instructions to refrain from offering to pitch in. So, when it comes down to it the District wants Nats owners to take over cost overruns, some prospective owners are willing to agree, and well, fans just want to know that their ball team is going to be around. Can there be any wonder why Bud Selig's MLB bio comes up in Google when you type " national disgrace?" Back down Bud, the prospective owners know what a good deal it is for them even if they have to spend money for overruns.
Nationals getting a raw deal - MSNBCSome national attention on the Nats plight. My question is where are all of those national columnists who wrote so lovingly of the Nats ( Charles Krauthammer, David Brooks, I am looking at you) during the season now? We need you guys smack MLB upside the head in print that the nation reads.
Ballpark impasse affects projects - The Wash. TimesThe delays don't just bug Nats fans. Without the ballpark, the community benefit fund created under the stadium legislation is in jeopardy. The fund includes up to $125 million for school construction and modernization, $45 million for improving public libraries, $10 million for plans to build a new hospital and $2 million for supplies at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast. C'mon Selig, think of the children, won't you please think of the children?!
Hernandez to meet with congressman - The Wash. Times¡LIVAN! wants to field a World Baseball Classic team with Cuban defectors and met with Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R) of Florida to discuss plans.
DICK HELLER - If it's Soriano's way or nothing, sayonara - The Wash. TimesSoriano is making Jose Guillen look like a model team player.
Short headed to Japan - The Wash. TimesWe already know this is going to happen; The Wash. Times is finally reporting on it. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 5:21 AM |
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Wasn't this thing suppossed to have been settled last Dec. 21 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Wasn't this thing suppossed to have been settled last Dec. 21
Barry Acted to Block Stadium - The PostMarion Barry (D, Ward-8) is making his presence known again and no good can come from that, can it? This article details how he tried to create a deal with prospective owner Jonathan Ledecky on cost overruns. Barry was rallying support on the council for this move, but one of Mayor Anthony Williams aides tipped off MLB, who of course were not in favor Barry's plan to "dictate terms." It would all be so facinating if I did not have a horse in this race. Oh and Linda Cropp is pushing the RFK site again, which would be pennywise and pound-foolish. Someone is going to get a great book out of this ordeal. More from The Wall Street Journal: Nationals Pass Time Waiting for a Deal To Build a Ballpark & Baseball blues
Stadium Arbitration Could Take Months - The PostIf MLB does take D.C. to arbitration it would not be settled easily. I have heard that MLB has the upper hand if it goes that far, but I have also heard the inverse. Let's hope something gets worked out before it reaches that point. MLB has really overplayed their hand.
D.C. stadium vote delayed until next year - The Wash. TimesThere is no chance that the council will vote on the lease before the Dec. 31 deadline.
THOMAS BOSWELL - Baseball, D.C. Are in a League Of Their Own - The PostBoswell calls the plight of D.C. and MLB poetic justice (which is pretty much is) while suggesting that they both back down and reach a compromise. If it only it were that easy. Yuda's Gameday has my feelings on that matter summed up pefectly.
In Baseball Melodrama, No Shortage of Critics - The PostWhat the peopel are saying.
Nats' Soriano: A one-year wonder? - The Wash. TimesActual baseball, not politics, talk. Once again, let's think about how this is another fantastic deal by Jim Bowden.
'Damn Yankees,' Batting Solidly in the Mid-Fifties - The PostI was debating whether to see "Damn Yankees" in light of all the ballpark melodrama. I think I will.
JIM WILLIAMS - ON MEDIA: Nats hot stove stays warm - The Wash. ExaminerThe ever reliable Williams (8-5!) says a Jose Vidro-Kerry Woods trade might be in the works. Don't count on it, but if it could happen, I'd say go for for it. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 5:36 AM |
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005 3:33:00 PM
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005 4:32:00 PM
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Wednesday, December 21, 2005 4:42:00 PM
At least we get to save our Chief Joseph speeches for another day - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
At least we get to save our Chief Joseph speeches for another day
Council Vote on Stadium Delayed - The PostMore on the ballpark lease vote delay. The mayor just does not have the votes. MLB is prepared to go to arbitration too. More from The Wash. Times: D.C. Council defers stadium vote & The Wash. Examiner: Stadium lease vote delayed
Without Lease, Nats Are on Shaky Ground - The PostCount 2006 as a lost season because of all the delays.
JOEL AUCHENBACH - In D.C., Baseball as a Political Football - The PostCliches everywhere!
T(H)OM LOVERRO - Charge mayor with an error - The Wash. TimesI just skimmed this one, but it almost looked coherent.
D.C.'s Stadium Deal: Fair or Foul? - The PostCity Administrator Robert Bobb writes in favor of the ballpark.
DASHIKI WATCH: Since there is no vote on the ballpark lease today I would be surprised if Mayor Councilman Marion Barry shows up in a dashiki, his old good-to for tough times. I expect him to wear one on the day of the vote. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 5:58 AM |
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Frank is coming back; Rally on monday - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 16, 2005
Frank is coming back; Rally on monday
Robinson to Return As Nationals Manager - The PostFrank Robinson signed a one-year contract to stay on as Nats manager. The decision, though, was agonizing for both sides, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Some high-ranking Nationals front-office members occasionally became frustrated with Robinson's strategic maneuvers. Pitching coach Randy St. Claire and bench coach Eddie Rodriguez stick around; hitting coach Tom McCraw, first base coach Don Buford, third base coach Dave Huppert, bullpen coach Bob Natal and roving instructor Jack Voigt will not. I like Robinson as a man and a competitor, but he cannot handle pitchers and makes dubious gameday decisions. Hopefully, he will improve this year, because to get to 81 wins again, he is going have to get better. More from The Wash. Times: Nats bring Robinson back
DICK HELLER - Nats could do worse than Griffith - The Wash. TimesHeller pens what will probably not be remembered as his best column. It has something to do with Griffith Stadium and old Senators.
LOOSE LIPS - Play Ball - CityPaperAnother rundown of council votes on the ballpark lease. I hope this one is also correct.
So do you like the Nats? Do you want them to stick around? Maybe you ought to show up at Mayor Williams' rally on Ballpark Lease Eve: Baseball
It's a great catch for DC!
Join
Mayor Anthony A. Williams
for a Baseball Rally
Monday, December 19, 2005
Noon - 12:30pm
Freedom Plaza
Pennsylvania Avenue, NWI cannot make it because I work outside the Beltway, but if you can, show up and give some support. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 5:40 AM |
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- William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
MLB: DON'T BUILD AT RFKBaseball Opposes Moving Stadium - The PostMLB sent a letter to Linda Cropp telling her and the council that they are not on board with building the new ballpark at RFK. It would might be cheaper for the District, but would have less of an economic upside. I agree with MLB, but their arrogance is not helping anything; but then again, when has it? Yesterday was also a busy day for the council as they talked about the ballpark. MissChatter followed the deliberations throughout the day at Just A Nats Fan. More from The Wash. Times: MLB rules out site near RFK for ballpark
For New Nat Soriano, A Question of Position - The Alfonso Soriano trade is officially complete. Since he was traded to the Nats for Brad Wilkerson and others, he has announced that he is not interested in playing left field. He also can't pitch, which is what the Nats really need. While Wilkerson had kind of a tough year in 2005, he played wherever he was needed, including all outfield positions and first base. He took a lot of pitches too. I think he can also pitch, though he has not since either college or high school. Oh, and he was $5 million cheaper than Soriano. Plus, he was "The Last Expo" and the first National to get a hit. When it comes down to it, Brad played hardball. I do not think Chevy Chase Bank is jumping up and down to make a Soriano commerical either, do you? Gee, thanks Jim Bowden, too bad Boston did not want you. Who can blame them when you trade a steady team player because he did not get along with the volatile journeyman that is Jose Guillen. You know, the guy who has burnt his bridges to the clubhouses of every team he had played for previously. Duh! More from The Wash. Times - Soriano, Nats get chance to talk
T(H)OM LOVERRO - MLB needs to threaten council - The Wash. TimesNot content with the anti-RFK letter from MLB, Loverro wants MLB to bully the council more. Um, my read of the council is that this is exactly the wrong thing to do. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM |
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# posted by MC Hamme :
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 2:26:00 PM
- William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 12, 2005
ON THE NATS...Nobody seems happy about the Wilkerson-Soriano trade. I am not really sure how this helps the Nats, but then again, Jim Bowden is still GM. I am happy for Wilkerson, who probably gets a better chance of playing to his abilities with Texas, but I am sad to see him go. He got kind of a raw deal from the Nats and hopefully he can get better treatment in "some-jerk town whose only boast is being equidistant between Dallas and Fort Worth" than he did from the Nats. I know that generally speaking, local ownership is not that important to making the Nats successful, but I have to think that had MLB named the Malek or Lerner groups owners a long time ago, they might have done something like what D.C. United is doing in SE ( The Post) in anticipation of building a stadium there. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by WFY @ 7:16 AM |
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- William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 09, 2005
MLB AGREES TO THE LEASE!District, Baseball Agree on Nationals' Lease - The PostI about stopped in my tracks when I saw this, but MLB Commish Bud Selig has officially given the green light on the Anacostia ballpark lease. It now heads back to the DC Council where they must get 7 votes to approve the lease. Yes, boys and girls--we may now relive the pins and needles we felt last December. Early indications seem to favor a positive outcome, but the anti-baseball people want an outside consultant to review the lease. Won't they ever stop???!!! One thing works in our favor, though: for the councilmembers who are on the fence, they're fully aware of the fact that, if they vote against the lease, they'll be remembered as the councilmembers who ended baseball in DC--and they don't want that. More from WTOP News: Lease to Keep Nats in D.C. for 30 Years
Tonight's breaking news brought to you by Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme, a nervous Nats fan. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005
posted by Fritz @ 7:04 PM |
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- William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
PLAYER SHUFFLEBowden Heats Up the Stove - The PostDC baseball champion Tom Boswell analyzes the overall moves made by Jim Bowden this year, but does make a frightening point right up front--with no owner and a ballpark deal gone completely awry, Jim Bowden is the best thing the Nats have right now, for better or worse. That's kind of a bleak assessment, yes? Soriano Jockeys for Position- The PostThe age-old question, varied for the Nats: now that they have Soriano, what do they do with him? Second base is covered by Jose Vidro, and I've already heard one report that will put Soriano in the outfield. More from The Wash. Times: The Soriano questionsWilkerson Shocked, but Calls Rangers a 'Positive Situation' - The PostI have to admit, I have mixed feelings about Brad Wilkerson being traded away. It's hard to let go of his achievements in the inaugural season, most notably the Nats' first cycle. (And who can forget those Chevy Chase bank commercials?) Council set to debate lease agreement, cost estimate - The TimesMay God have mercy on us all.
BOWL NEWSState College Is the Place to Be - The PostWow! How often does my alma mater make The Post? Mostly about recruiting, but I had to post it for the very fact that it made a Washington paper. With game nearly 4 weeks away, Bowden and Paterno go face to face - The Patriot-NewsLike the famous coffeeshop scene in Heat, where Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have an amicable meeting with mutual respect and admiration, but silently vow to take the other down, so do JoePa and Bobby Bowden meet face to face.
Today's postings brought to you by Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme, who isn't afraid of an inch of snow. Labels: Nats/MLB 2005, PSU Football 2005
posted by Fritz @ 8:58 AM |
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Saturday, December 10, 2005 11:58:00 PM
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Sunday, December 11, 2005 12:00:00 AM
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