|
SEEKING AN EDGE, BIG CITY TEAMS START THEIR OWN MINOR LEAGUE
November 23, 2000
NEW YORK -- The relegation of the Chicago White Sox was a warning shot to the large market teams throughout baseball, that the new system is here and that it's not going anywhere.
"If nothing else, they're not going to get rid of it before the White Sox can come back anyway," said baseball writer Tim Richards of the Palm Springs Post.
MLB owners in six cities (New York, Los Angeles and Chicago) decided they needed an "edge" and started an eight-team minor league to supplement the Double-A level teams that they already have.
But the new minor league will be based somewhere other than the US of A. That's right, it's going to be based in the Dominican Republic.
"It's brilliant for them to have the foresight to look to develop and sign young players right there in the Caribbean," said Paul McCoy, a columnist for Baseball America.
The total cost of the league is estimated at $5 million, but that will be split by the six teams participating.
The Comets, Mets, Bombers, Dodgers, Angels and Cyclones have all opted to participate. The Cubs opted against it, though they were invited.
The league will feature players from age 16 to age 19 and is likely to be mimicked by other teams in the future.
"I think this is the wave of the future for sure. No doubt about it," said McCoy.
|