{mosimage}Apparently, the city of Sarasota, Fla. can do without the Reds...

Apparently, the city of Sarasota, Fla. can do without the Reds and the team’s estimated $40 million dollars they bring in annually during spring training. At least that's the verdict after the city failed in November to pass a $16 million dollar bond referendum to upgrade the outdated Ed Smith Stadium.

Honestly, I'm surprised that a spring training city like Sarasota - a city that’s welcomed MLB teams since 1924 (New York Giants, Red Sox, White Sox and Reds since 1998) - is willing to part ways with Cincinnati over a desperately needed stadium upgrade.

It’s not like the Reds are being unreasonable here folks, Ed Smith Stadium is not in compliance with either the Florida Building Code for hurricane construction or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Seriously, it’s 2008, the stadium needs some renovations.

Plus, the Reds have made a record commitment – according to the Reds - of $10 million dollars towards the renovations and will also pay any overrun costs on the project.

And besides putting Sarasota on the map, the Reds’ organization also helps the city’s economy in numerous ways. Not only does the city draw money from the Reds high single-A affiliate (Sarasota Reds) but it also cashes in on several American Union and state baseball tourneys held at Ed Smith.

Considering all Sarasota is to lose by losing the Reds, I think the city will regret its stubbornness to work out a stadium deal. And, there's no way the city's behavior towards the Reds will lure another MLB team in the future.

Baseball attendance, and especially spring training attendance, is booming. Every organization is looking for all means possibly to capitalize on the high demand for the game. This means upgrading playing facilities and player amenities.

You would think spring training cities such as Sarasota would also do whatever is necessary to profit from MLB excitement. But instead, Sarasota has turned down this opportunity.

So, it's likely the Reds will move to Ariz. (although not officially). But don't blame the Reds for breaking the tradition of Grapefruit League baseball. Sarasota had its chance and voted no. What’s a team like the Reds to do? Keep knocking on a door that will never open?

No, the answer is to head out West to a city like Goodyear, Ariz. Goodyear has already gone out of its way - a $75 million dollar baseball facility is under construction - to welcome the Indians (2009). This city gets it, what's good for baseball is good for them too.

In fact, Goodyear is so forward thinking its plan would call for both Cleveland and Cincinnati to share its facility. And actually, I like the idea.

Both Ohio squads would give baseball fans in the Buckeye state a reason to travel West during the spring and catch several inter-league scrimmages between the two clubs.

Besides, what could be more economical than for two small-market clubs than to share the cost a beautiful facility for the better chance to win in October?

Goodbye Sarasota and hello Goodyear.

Around the Horn

Valentine’s Day

Speaking of spring training, Dusty Baker says he’ll be ready for his Reds debut after Valentine’s Day.

Marty

Is it me or is Marty Brennaman getting grumpier on-air with age? Don’t get me wrong, I’m one of the HOF’s biggest fans. And, there’s one thing I’ll always appreciate with Marty (grumpy or not), the truth.

Here are some blurbs from Marty in this article.

On the off-season: "They're definitely a better team," he said. "They addressed the bullpen dramatically. With (Francisco) Cordero as closer, it settles two other people into regular roles. David Weathers did a great job last year, but he's a setup guy. Now, he can pitch the eighth and Jared Burton the seventh.

The rotation: "I'm not sure how much they (the rotation) have improved," Brennaman said. "Anyone will tell you, Bronson Arroyo is not a No. 2; he's a No. 3. And Matt Belisle really hasn't proven anything yet. If Affeldt can't make it, they'll have all right-handed starters, which you can't afford to have.

The Mayor at the bat

I’ll always be a fan of Sean Casey. Every professional sport needs good people like Sean.

Hal McCoy on a possible Joe Blanton trade

There are several factors that point to the Reds making a trade for more starting pitching. One is the signing of outfielder Craig Wilson. And two, apparently Baker is contemplating signing 40-year-old Kenny Lofton too.

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