Monday, October 04, 2004
Somebody has something sensible to say about the Expos moving
Former commissioner Fay Vincent was quoted by the Associated Press: "I'm very sorry about it. I really don't believe teams should move. It's a quick and easy way out. I'd rather see a team stay and succeed.''
The issue of Washington getting a team is separate. But I agree with Vincent: moving the Expos is the easy way out.
Regarding the Braves before the Turner Era, "They had 2,000 people in the stands,'' Vincent said. "It looked like Montreal. Now look at the Braves. If a team is good, I think baseball will succeed. If you put a quality team on the field, you'll be successful.''
In addition to quality on the field (which Montreal had for many years) you have to have an owner who is also committed to a community, which Montreal has not had for at least a decade. Jeff Loria's conduct was reprehensible: he deliberately alienated Montreal citizens and baseball fans, hoping for a sweet deal (which he got), and a free pass on the wreckage he left behind in Canada (which he also got).
So goodie for DC I guess, but it would be more sporting if they started in the Appalachian League and worked their way up through promotion. (Needless to say, I would have opposed the move of the Senators to Dallas in its day, too.)
