The fate of the Oakland A’s may be determined in a few short days. With the City of Oakland set to vote on the Howard Terminal Project, the A’s may well have an answer as to whether or not their new waterfront ballpark will become a reality. However, given their difference of opinion as to how various aspects of the project should be financed, optimism has dwindled that the A’s new ballpark in Oakland will ever happen.
One way or another, the A’s fate will be determined in a relatively short time. According to Rob Manfred, a decision will be made as to whether or not the A’s remain in Oakland within a few months, as he says that the “Oakland process is at an end.”
Oakland A’s decision coming soon
This may well be another attempt at saber rattling on Manfred’s part. He had already attempted to spur on their stadium talks by announcing that the franchise had permission to look elsewhere for a potential new home. Relocation had become more than an idle threat.
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And now, Manfred is trying to turn up the heat even more. While it is certain that the A’s either need a new ballpark or extensive renovations to be done to the Colesium, it is still a major question as to what will happen. Previous press conferences had called the Colesium “unviable,” leaving no other option than a new ballpark.
But there is still a question of how this will be paid for. The city wants owner John Fisher to pay for a larger percentage of the project. The team, and Fisher, want that to be paid for by tax dollars. There appears to be a stalemate, which is not a good sign for the A’s chances of remaining in Oakland.
There is still time before there should be cause for concern. The vote is scheduled for July 20, giving the team and the city time to find a middle ground and settle their differences. Manfred’s ominous words may not matter if that ends up being the case. But it is clear that the clock is ticking for a resolution to happen.
Rob Manfred’s words are certainly ominous for the future of the Oakland A’s in the Bay Area. But there is still time for that to happen.