David Samson
David Samson
agreed deal financing mind plan preference require small stay talked
We talked about a financing plan they had in mind that would require a very small contribution by the team. We told them our preference is to stay in Florida, but we have no deal in Florida. We agreed that we will stay in touch.
choice continue deal florida miami noted reality south
It should be noted that Miami and south Florida continue to be our first choice. But the reality is we don't have a deal there because our lease expires after 2010.
deal learn meet paper people portland talk typical
There were no deal discussions. It was very much an introductory meeting. It was 'getting to know you' day. We got to meet people and talk to them and learn more about Portland than what you can read about in the paper and in typical analyses.
baseball cities deal focused front gets looking name player specific stadium
I don't think one player gets a stadium deal done. Cities that want baseball want it for 50 years. They're looking for the name on the front of the jersey. They're not focused on a specific player.
choice deal florida
We told them that Florida is our first choice, but we have no deal yet.
choice deal definitely happen recognize time trying
We're definitely negotiating with everybody, and we're trying to get a deal done here because it is our first choice. But we recognize it may not happen and we don't have much time left.
involved progress
They've made more progress because they've been more involved on a day-to-day basis.
baseball florida longer south
No longer can baseball in South Florida be assured,
sit suspect
Nothing is scheduled. I suspect we'll sit with them at some point, but nothing is scheduled.
financial plans talks until
Talks are serious, but until financial plans are discussed, it's preliminary.
definitely financing plan presented serious talk
It's definitely serious when you are presented a financing plan and when you talk as much as we are.
afternoon break games keeping night open options people spring turned
We scheduled it that way. They were spring break games and we turned them into afternoon games so people who had commitments at night would be able to come to the game in the afternoon. It's keeping all the options open for everybody.
We've never had this many renewals this early,
open opening sadness year
This was going to be the year we were going to open the new stadium. So opening day I'm projecting sadness for myself, because it was going to be in a new stadium.