Time for the City of Oakland to Take a Stand for the A's?
Last week, I mentioned that the A's remaining in Oakland doesn't seem likely, and that Utah could be the backup plan if Las Vegas falls apart. I also mentioned that those views were based on the snapshot of where we stand in the team's relocation process. Well, things haven't exactly changed, but a lot more people are starting to question if this move to Las Vegas is about to fall apart.
For months now, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been saying that her door is always open, or that she would pick up the phone if the A's called to re-engage in negotiations for a ballpark in The Town. Keeping that line of communication open is important, but this may be the time to pounce. Make a stand. Provide the case for why Oakland is the better option for this MLB team.
No matter how this whole process shakes out, Las Vegas will presumably be getting a baseball team, either through expansion or relocation. Oakland's only shot may be to somehow get the A's back to the table.
Back at City Hall in November, Thao told the A's fans in attendance that there are lots of potential owners that are interested in purchasing the club. After Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman said that the A's should figure out a way to stay in Oakland, Thao told the Chronicle, "100%! Keeping the A’s in Oakland is what’s best for everyone including Las Vegas. My door is open to John Fisher and to anyone else that has the means and desire to purchase the A’s and keep them in the Town. We have the plan, the sites, and the money. Let’s keep the A’s rooted in Oakland!"
The energy is there. Now may be the time to show the desire and the willingness to get this thing over the finish line. Let's hear from one of these people that is interested in buying the A's and keeping them in Oakland. Let's see some tangible action.
Admittedly, it takes two to tango, and if John Fisher is unwilling to sell the team then it may not happen. But if he keeps fumbling the team's move to Las Vegas or he can't come up with the funding, Oakland has to be ready to pounce. The Town has to make an undeniable case to convince MLB that they should keep their baseball team, because the comments that Rob Manfred has made about Oakland and A's fans sure don't sound like they're from someone that plans on coming back.
It's time to start making moves. If the A's start looking for an escape route, Oakland needs to be waiting with open arms, and plenty of solutions.