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Rob Manfred rattling sabers about Oakland A’s ballpark situation again

By David Hill

Oct 26, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred before game one of the 2021 World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; MLB commissioner Rob Manfred before game one of the 2021 World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Everything had been going as smoothly as possible when it comes to the Oakland A’s quest for a new ballpark. The Howard Terminal Project was moving forward and appeared as though a binding vote could happen soon. In just a couple of months, we may find out whether or not the A’s remain Rooted in Oakland or not.

But that is not good enough in some places. America’s most hated sports commissioner, Rob Manfred, had to open his mouth, saying that an agreement for a new ballpark has to get done quickly.

Rob Manfred becomes Captain Obvious about Oakland A’s ballpark

No kidding. The A’s have just been trying to get a new ballpark for the better part of two decades because they had nothing better to do. And the city is pushing to get a deal done quickly because they just want to fill time on their meeting docket. What does Manfred think is happening there?

Yes, he has a point when he says that the Coliseum “is not a major league quality facility at this point.” The A’s also do not have major league quality owners at this point either, but that is not a concern apparently. Getting as much money out of Oakland, or Las Vegas, for a new ballpark would be however.

There is also the matter of the A’s lease coming to an end in the near future. They are beholden to the Coliseum until the end of the 2024 season. The A’s would need to know their future relatively soon just to know where they will be playing their games in 2025.

This is something that both sides are clearly aware of. It is part of why both sides want to have a vote on a binding resolution as soon as possible. Manfred is not saying anything that the two sides are not aware of.

His statements also carry an underlying threat. Either the city makes the Howard Terminal Project happen or the A’s are heading to Las Vegas. It is questionable as to whether or not the league wants the A’s in Oakland in the first place, and any delays will just lead to Manfred pushing harder for them to end up relocating.

Next. All systems go for Montas. dark

The City of Oakland and the Oakland A’s know that the ballpark situation needs to be resolved soon. Rob Manfred is not helping with his reminder.