Wolff to buy or not buy within 90 days....

by nodaclu on Jan 6, 2005 11:03 PM PST

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2005/01/06/sports0001EST0237.DTL

L.A. developer considers buying A's

Thursday, January 6, 2005

(01-06) 21:01 PST OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) --

Los Angeles developer Lewis Wolff, who was hired by the Oakland Athletics in 2003 to help find a new stadium, will decide in the next three months whether he will exercise an option to try to buy the team.

"He is in the process of exploring that option," said Sam Spear, a senior consultant for the A's who spoke to Wolff on Thursday. "He believes that in the next 90 days he would have come to some conclusion of either a purchase or non-purchase of the team."

Steve Schott and Ken Hofmann bought the A's jointly in 1995 with Schott serving as the managing partner.

"Whatever deal (Wolff) works out, he wants Steve Schott to remain as part of the ownership," Spear said.

Even if Wolff decides he wants to buy the A's, there would still be hurdles to overcome. He would need to agree on a price with Schott and Hofmann and be approved by Major League Baseball.

Wolff, the team's vice president for venue development, had been helping the team evaluate possible location alternatives available in the Bay Area for a new ballpark.

Schott has repeatedly said the only way for the small-market A's to remain viable is to get a new stadium, which commissioner Bud Selig has also said is key. Schott has said he would like to move the franchise to San Jose, but the San Francisco Giants own the rights to that area.

While many of the A's competitors play in extravagant stadiums that generate huge streams of revenue, the A's share an out-of-date stadium with the NFL's Oakland Raiders and would like a baseball-only facility.

Wolff is a former part owner of the NBA's Golden State Warriors and the NHL's St. Louis Blues.

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The fate of the a's

Will be decided by opening day i think. I think Wolff will by the team, and try and get a stadium in oakland.

Speculation is the art of imagination

by ohad on Jan 7, 2005 2:37 AM PST reply actions

Does it trouble anyone else

That Wolff has been an owner or part owner of 2 pro teams that always finished in last place?

"What I'm trying to do is set our pitching up for five years," said Beane

by Satchmo22 on Jan 7, 2005 2:46 AM PST reply actions

None of those

Had Billy Beane as their Gm.

Speculation is the art of imagination

by ohad on Jan 7, 2005 2:50 AM PST up reply actions

Yes....now about this regime change

There is a lot of bitching about Schott on this site, but on his watch our team has been to the playoffs four times. I'm not eager to see an A's regime change.

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 7, 2005 7:00 AM PST up reply actions

According to all the reports

Wolff would only be buying Hoffmans option. He wants Schott to stay as a part owner.

Speculation is the art of imagination

by ohad on Jan 7, 2005 7:01 AM PST up reply actions

I agree, k'k'

Transfers of ownership always make me nervous. They tend to do things like trigger an out-clause in BBs contract, or lead to nerve-wracking speculation about the team up and moving.

Plus, I can't stand the Blues.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 8:16 AM PST up reply actions

I don' t know...

how much Wolff was involved w/the Blues, but he was never a majority owner of the Warriors. I put the blame for most of that mess at the feet of Cohan.

by dubsea on Jan 7, 2005 9:30 AM PST up reply actions

SJ Mayor

Why doesn't Mayor Gonzales lobby MLB harder (or at all) for a team? It seems to me that if I was the mayor and heard that my city was "owned" by a neighboring city, I would be ticked.

Has there ever been any polling in the actual city of San Jose about the support for a team?

by nathan. on Jan 7, 2005 8:00 AM PST reply actions

"the winds of change"

i've appreciated the job schott has done with the a's. i think schott is a responsible owner, a good businessman and very intelligent with his front office hirings. i'm hopeful if wolff does purchase the team he keep schott as managing director.

i am concerned about beane. i believe he has a out clause in his contract that states that if the ball club is sold he can opt out. now, there has been no indication that beane might do this.....but. maybe beane has had enough and wants to do something different. maybe he doesn't want to work for wolff? maybe he wants to be a radio talkshow host in SD? the next 90-120 days will be interesting.

it's OK to steal-just don't let billy see ya.

by bigelephant on Jan 7, 2005 8:44 AM PST reply actions

Beane says...

he's "content" according to the article in the Oakland Trib this am, that is, if Wolff gets part or entire ownership. I have had the same concerns.

by Gerard on Jan 7, 2005 9:01 AM PST up reply actions

I'm All For It...If Beane Stays

When Mr. Wolff was hired to find a stadium site I was excited given his relationship with Selig. However, the solution of building a stadium in the parking lot, which was his suggestion, is not. He was hired to find a venue. He did. But I don't think it is a realistic one b/c the cash strapped tax payers in the fiscally irresponsible city of Oakland are never going to go for giving a cent towards building a new stadium. Schottman's offer of 100M is generous but still falls short. Why? Oakland will not attract the corporate sponsorship of other Bay Area cities. San Jose is the best example of where you can find companies willing to get their name(s) associated with a professional sports franchise.
MLB needs to be brought to task to end the stupidity of territorial rights. I don't think Wolff has the cajones to do it. He just wants in at this point.
Wolff likes how Schott has run things, therefore, I don't expect huge changes with the payroll...not until the stadium issue gets solved. Now that the 49ers are making this issue no. 1 with regards to their future, maybe this will raise an awareness in the Bay Area regarding the A's needs.

by Gerard on Jan 7, 2005 8:57 AM PST reply actions

I just don't like San Jose as a solution

I'd really really really prefer to keep the team in Oakland, if at all possible. I say, if San Joseans want to see the A's, let them come to Oakland. I used to go down there to watch the Sharks.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 9:30 AM PST up reply actions

Oakland has always been the hub...

but I just don't see large corporations busting down the doors of the Warriors and Raiders. The Warriors have just been such a mess that it's going to take time for them to be viewed upon in positive light (and I am a hopeless Warriors fan). The Raiders unfortunately brought back their bad boy LA image when they returned and Al has only himself to blame for that.
Anywhere the A's end up as long as it is in the Bay Area is fine with me. I've always loved the Coliseum going back to the days when I payed $5.50 for a 1st level seat behind homeplate. I would just like to see this team have the same financial resources as those pigs across the Bay that haven't done anything since they moved here.

by Gerard on Jan 7, 2005 10:21 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah, okay

As long as it's the Bay Area, I suppose that is the key. But I don't have to like it. Hrmph.

Can't we at least be in the East Bay?

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 10:49 AM PST up reply actions

MY ideal spot...

has always been southern Alameda county eg Fremont which is close enough to Santa Clara as well as to Oakland and Contra Costa. The 880 and 680 freeways give it pretty good access. They could put a stadium near the "New United Motor" plant. This would not violate that stupid territorial rights BS we all have to put up with and still draw south bay baseball fans.

by Gerard on Jan 7, 2005 11:37 AM PST up reply actions

Beane stays

Were would Beane go if he moved on? LA, Boston, Yanks, Mets, Toronto...all no. They all have good GMs that are not likely to be fired or in the Yank case Beane is not going to like it there. TB, Baltimore, Pitt. are some of the places that would probable just not interest Beane. What is the best place for him even if Wolf buys?.........maybe Oakland....with a bit more cash for himself.

by dougald1 on Jan 7, 2005 9:26 AM PST reply actions

i had yet to read the the trib report...

...so, i'm hopeful beane is "content".

i wasn't surmising what team beane could go to. but, i do believe that beane could just quit for a year or two, write a book or two and maybe with new ownership it might be a good time.

i'm just paranoid, maybe.

it's OK to steal-just don't let billy see ya.

by bigelephant on Jan 7, 2005 9:32 AM PST up reply actions

it will be better in san jose

there arent as many gangmembers or crackfiends selling fake tickets, besides san Jose is nicer

by kenny on Jan 7, 2005 4:57 PM PST reply actions

I don't like san jose

I would rather live in Oakland.

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 4:58 PM PST up reply actions

Thank You

GreenNGoldGirl, You, too, Devo. Anybody who doesn't get Oakland hasn't lived there. They have no idea.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 5:09 PM PST up reply actions

San Jose is an armpit

by gangmembers and crackfiends, do you mean black people?

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:01 PM PST up reply actions

Isnt San Jose just down the road

so it would be much different for A's fans to come to the game.

by Oaklandsno1 on Jan 7, 2005 5:00 PM PST reply actions

It's between

half and hour and an hour, depending on traffic. Also, there is no direct public transportation.

That's beside the point, though. Oakland is a wonderful city and just because some people are too shallow minded and racist to want to associate with the city and our team, doesn't mean you should give into them.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:03 PM PST up reply actions

What do you mean?

Please try to be a little clearer. As in SanJo being down the ropad to you mean the franchise moving down there? And what do you mean it'll be different for A's fans?

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 5:03 PM PST up reply actions

If they move there

It would only be 30 miles away (50km) so easy for Oakland fans to get there and watch the game.

by Oaklandsno1 on Jan 7, 2005 5:05 PM PST up reply actions

Did you read my answer

when you asked about it above?

It's actually worse than that, since many of the A's fans live in the suburbs to the north and east, which are even farther away from San Jose.

There is no question that Oakland is a much more central location for the fans of the region. The owners just believe there are more luxury suites to be sold in San Jose.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:08 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry didnt see it untill after I had posted

by Oaklandsno1 on Jan 7, 2005 5:10 PM PST up reply actions

I just ask myself ...

What would be the most logical thing for him to have said there, with at least a couple of the words he used, and assume that's what he meant.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:07 PM PST up reply actions

blond moments.....

i don't think. :)

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 5:11 PM PST up reply actions

Good God

but you must be popular with the boys!

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 5:18 PM PST up reply actions

hahaha

yeah, i have them waiting on me hand and foot. reality is, i'm halfway between redhead and brunette with natural blonde streaks. I haven't dyed my hair once. and i have a boyfriend. :) the boys must wait.

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 5:21 PM PST up reply actions

Damn

You're a California girl. You wear the green and gold.

Lucky bastard.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 5:24 PM PST up reply actions

I wear the GreenNGold proudly....

anywhere I can show it off. :) especially in Anaheim. and of course I'm a natural Cali girl! I surf, I love the beach and I have a shirt that says "Made In California". :D Poor boys....

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

I hope

at least, he's an A's fan, too.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 5:52 PM PST up reply actions

of course!

that was what brought us together.... the love of the A's! my mom calls me crazy with all my love for the a's. she says it's an obsession and obsessions aren't good.

Mom- "What if Tavo wasn't an A's fan? Or what if he hated baseball?"
Me- "well, then I would have some work to do on him. I can't have a boyfriend who hates baseball! It's not possible."
Mom- "What about when you get married?"
Me- "I would NOT marry a guy who hated baseball. He'd have to learn to live with me or love baseball. I plan to get proposed to on the mound to the Colliseum, Mom. A guy who hates baseball cannot marry me."
Mom- "rolls eyes You need help."

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 6:02 PM PST up reply actions

Don't believe her!

It's everyone else needs help. Best to you and yours. Go As!

Still, I trust Tavo knows how fortunate he is.

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 6:17 PM PST up reply actions

yeah....

i think he doesn't like it very much sometimes when I freak out more over a picture of Barry Zito than a picture of him... He surprises me sometimes though! For christmas, he gave me a signed photo of Barry Zito and a bag he made himself with my favorite picture of Barry. That's why I love him :) I don't think any other guy would be able to stand the fact that his girlfriend is in love with a baseball player.

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

Then kep him...

...he's a prince!

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 7, 2005 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

of course I'm gonna "kep" him

He's gorgeous! :) sigh I think I'll go call him.... tell him AN approves of him.... maybe I'll get him to join!

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 6:38 PM PST up reply actions

God!

Um, that is to say, Good!
So who uses the preview, anyway?

The triple of Jeremy Brown's imagination was, in reality, a home run.

by ArakSOT on Jan 8, 2005 8:59 AM PST up reply actions

I think....

that people posting diaries use it... :) other than that, i can just say that I don't!

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 8, 2005 5:52 PM PST up reply actions

My aunt been to Oak

and said that was the only city that she was scared in because all the gangsters driveing big black catalacks :)

by Oaklandsno1 on Jan 7, 2005 5:04 PM PST reply actions

I love oakland

but you should see the crime rates in that city and i can't be dissing my own race.

by kenny on Jan 7, 2005 5:07 PM PST reply actions

Sure you can ...

I disparage crackers all the time. But seriously, if you were dumb enough to get scammed by a crackhead you shouldn't be broadcasting over the internet for all to read.

I've seen the crime rates in Oakland. Have you? They are actually pretty much in line for any other urban center and have been declining every year. Even the murder rates, which have gotten so much publicity have dropped dramatically. In fact, more people were killed in San Francisco last year than in Oakland.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:18 PM PST up reply actions

In case you want to know some actual numbers

Oakland is 27th in the nation in violent crime per capita. The 26 cities above us account for 20 of the MLB teams - should they all head to San Jose too?

NYC
Los Angeles
Houston
Philadelphia
Detroit
Dallas
Baltimore
Memphis
Phoenix
Las Vegas
Washington
Atlanta
Nashville
San Diego
San Antonio
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Boston
Miami
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
St. Louis
Columbus
Cleveland
Kansas City
Tampa
San Francisco

27. Oakland

Milwaukee
Tucson
Oklahoma City
New Orleans
Minneapolis
Albuquerque
Portland
Tulsa
St. Petersburg
Seattle
Fort Worth
Buffalo
Cincinnati
Stockton
Long Beach
Pittsburgh
Denver
Fresno
El Paso
Sacramento
San Jose
Birmingham
Orlando

If you want to talk bad about my city you really should know what you're talking about because I sure as hell do.

Relax alright don't try to strike everyone out. Strikeouts are boring besides that they're fascist. Throw some ground balls it's more democratic.

by devo on Jan 7, 2005 5:29 PM PST up reply actions

Dude at least

in Oakland when u guys murder u r do not do weird thind with the bodies like over here :) Some guy cut the guy up in to thousands of pieces a bout 1 cm thick put them in barrels and put them outside the police station ?!
Now thats a weird murder!

by Oaklandsno1 on Jan 7, 2005 5:22 PM PST reply actions

wtf? what kind of psychopath does that?????

and you make it sound like murder is a daily activity here!

AM dumps Zito, moves on to Bartolo Colon, ERA booms to a 6.0,"Me amor, Alissa (I love you my sweet chicken puff) is muy bitchy. Donde esta me masseuse". -ohad

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jan 7, 2005 5:24 PM PST up reply actions