A’s would field competitive team in Las Vegas, MLB commissioner says

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred consults with the news media after a meeting of MLB owners, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred leaves a meeting of MLB owners, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the news media after a meeting of MLB owners, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky).
If the Oakland Athletics relocate to Las Vegas, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Southern Nevada fans shouldn't worry about the group being competitive.

Recently, the A's have ended up being known for their low fan turnout and trading their finest gamers to decrease their payroll. That has resulted in a 4-18 record to start this season.

But Manfred, speaking Monday at a meeting with members of The Associated Press Sports Editors in New York, stated the group's ballpark saga in the Bay Area played a huge role in its issues.

" The situation in Oakland … … John( A's owner Fisher) invested at least $100 million trying to get an arena built in Oakland," Manfred stated. "That drains your resources. You take a look at their presence. You can state chicken or the egg. Their attendance has actually never been exceptional, let me put it that way.".

If the A's ended up being Las Vegas' MLB group, winning would be a crucial part in keeping the seats filled, once the novelty of having them in the city diminishes. Manfred is convinced that in spite of fans' claims in Oakland, Fisher wishes to succeed on the field.

" I think the A's baseball operations staff is as good as any in the video game," Manfred said. "I will vouch personally, John Fisher wishes to win.".

Even if fans were showing up to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in droves, Manfred is not convinced the group's incomes would be on par with other groups due to the fact that of the age of the stadium.

" Even if they were filling that ballpark, they would not have an income base like other teams," Manfred stated. "That ballpark, it just doesn't have the type of earnings functions that are common at the majority of all of our ballparks.".

With Las Vegas appearing like a real chance now for the group, Manfred sees it as a potential plus not simply on the revenue side however also the team performance.

" To me, I believe (a potential move to Las Vegas) must be all favorable on the competitive front," Manfred stated. "You have wise baseball operations people. You have an owner who wants to win, and I think Las Vegas provides a genuine revenue-enhancing chance.".

With crucial aspects still needed to be determined prior to the move to Las Vegas is guaranteed, Manfred thought twice to put a timeline on when the A's could start play in Southern Nevada.

" The response is I do not know," Manfred stated. "There is wood to chop still in Las Vegas in terms of having a total deal. There are interim arrangements that might be made in Las Vegas, prior to the new facility being prepared. All that needs to be chosen, and a lot of that depends upon the timeline to get the brand-new facility built.".

A's president Dave Kaval said recently that if all goes as prepared, the franchise wishes to break ground on the Las Vegas ballpark website situated at Tropicana Avenue and Dean Martin Road next year, with the $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat arena opening in time for the 2027 season.

Among the interim arrangements Manfred meant is where the A's might play once their lease at the coliseum is up after the 2024 season. One possibility is having them share a stadium with their Triple-A affiliate, the Aviators.

The 10,000 fan-capacity Las Vegas Ballpark is an option for the 2025 and 2026 MLB season, Kaval stated. Manfred stated he plans to check out the minors ballpark soon to get a firsthand take a look at the facility.

" I've had a few of my people there," Manfred stated. "They are really favorable about that ballpark. It will not be a sticking point in regards to getting an offer done … … I think scheduling-wise, it might be done.".

And he's optimistic about a move.

" There is genuine momentum in Las Vegas to get something done," Manfred said. … Fisher's dedication was to independently fund the arena.

One city's loss might be another's treasure, however Manfred said he still feels for A's fans in the Bay Area if they lose another major league expert sports franchise.

" I sympathize with the fans in Oakland," Manfred said. "But for the city of Oakland to point fingers at John Fisher is unfair. … … We have revealed an amazing commitment to the fans in Oakland by exhausting every chance to try to get something carried out in Oakland, and unfortunately the government doesn't appear to have the will to get it done.".

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.