Oakland Playing Hardball with A's?

Interesting article on the timing of the Coliseum lease expiration (2013) vis-a-vis a new stadium. This quote has a most disingenous ring to it:

De La Fuente told the paper this week that "the A's have made it absolutely clear the last place they want to be is in Oakland. The city has bent over backward to persuade them to stay.

"Sometimes, enough is enough."

I just seem to remember that guy being the most vocal opponent of any new ballpark in Oakland.

4 months ago Billy Frijoles 3 comments 0 recs |

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Oakland sure has bent over backwards,

but it always seemed to me that they bent over backwards to make it seem like they were doing things, but never actually put forth any effort.

by LoneStranger on Jan 30, 2012 5:29 PM PST reply actions

it's unfortunate that it may appear that way to some

The city of Oakland has made many efforts, all of which are pretty well documented. They have also made many mistakes – also well documented. But it’s certainly problematic that the last two ownership groups have spent so much time trying to leave, while doing little to make their time in Oakland more inviting. As Robert Bobb told Mayor Brown in 2002, after the A’s didn’t send anyone to the (city paid for) HOK new ballpark study, “you can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” It was only after that event that Brown ignored new ballpark efforts.

As for the lease: the terms are extremely favorable to the A’s. I don’t blame the city for trying to get an extension with terms that are more in the city’s favor this time.

by OaklandSi on Jan 31, 2012 8:31 AM PST up reply actions

Bingo.

Oakland has been great at throwing out smoke and mirrors to make it look like they’re trying to save the team. But all of their efforts have proven to be hollow. Their dalliance with Victory Court where they wasted years claiming it was a site only to never do anything with it is just the latest example.

by athletics68 on Jan 31, 2012 3:37 PM PST up reply actions