Posts tagged ‘mesa vs. naples’

As we discussed in today’s deluxe episode of Cubscast (download – mp3), all signs finally point to the Chicago Cubs remaining in Mesa for Spring Training for the foreseeable future. Whew, what a relief! Undoubtedly a lot of Florida fans are going to be disappointed, but the overwhelming majority of fans knew that it would have been a mistake for the Cubs to leave sunny AZ and the Cactus League.

Originally reported by the Phoenix Fox TV affiliate, Dave van Dyck of the Trib is now reporting this as well. Van Dyck shares some of the details of the upcoming deal that Mesa is about to approve, which includes a brand new $84 million facility for the Cubs.

I’ve been impressed from the beginning with the way that Mesa has handled everything, and when this thing is signed they deserve the biggest congrats of all. Not that Naples came out of nowhere, but from all the reports and quotes I’ve seen from back in November until now, neither the former nor current Cubs ownership ever said that they favored staying in Mesa, despite the fan outcry and despite some huge efforts (to say the least) to meet with the Cubs in Chicago several times and also subsidize their batting cages this spring in good faith.

Mesa could have saved a ton of money and just said, “We’ve been good to you for decades. Here’s what we can offer, take it or leave it.” But they didn’t. They didn’t want to end up looking like NBC. If that’s the metaphor, I guess the Cubs are Conan. At least, I’d like to think so. I’m not sure who Leno would be. Fort Myers? Switching gears…

Sheps and I plan to bring some new coverage this spring before, during, and after our annual trek out to Mesa. I personally can’t wait to toast to the Cubs’ next 25 years in the valley. We’ve mentioned this on the show a few times recently, but if you’ve ever thought about heading down this season it’s well worth it.

We’re tentatively planning on making our trip earlier this year than normal, March 5-7. Stay tuned for more details on that. It looks like we’re going to get a chance to see plenty of new faces this Spring. It’s unbelievable that we’re only weeks away from pitchers and catchers meeting.

Anyway, congrats again to Mesa and all the Cubs fans that wanted this to happen, and long live the Cubs in the Cactus League!