In a rare interview with Crain’s Chicago Business, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred appeared to strongly support the current proposal for a new White Sox stadium south of downtown Chicago.
The “proximity to downtown” that the proposal would bring a team that currently plays several miles south, in a neighbourhood that essentially closes down after dark, is what Manfred said makes it especially strong. “Baseball has always worked well close to downtown,” which provides access to highways, good transportation, and other entertainment alternatives.
“I’m on board,” Manfred continued. “The White Sox could change the game with a new facility.”
All of this is accurate, but some Chicagoans are worried about the use of public funds to construct such a large ballpark. In an alleged conversation with Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, Manfred addressed that:
He has been promised by Reinsdorf that “no new taxes” would be necessary.
That seems to be a reference to what Reinsdorf-affiliated individuals have stated may entail transferring funds from the current 2% tax on Chicago hotel rooms to the new facility. The money raised from taxes is currently being used to pay off debt incurred during the building of Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Boston Red Sox. However, by the end of this decade, all bonds will be retired.
That implies that no taxes from Chicago’s general fund, especially from property taxes, would be collected. This kind of financing would just be an extension of the current hotel room tax. Since most locals don’t pay taxes, that kind of thing is popular, or was in the past. Finally, the Crain’s report speculates that Major League Baseball may provide some indirect funding:
Manfred stated that MLB will give an indirect subsidy rather than directly fund the stadium. He noted that because stadium building expenditures are automatically subtracted from mandatory team revenue-sharing payments under league regulations, the Sox may be able to receive some league coverage for their expenses.
That seems like an intriguing approach, and who knows? This could all actually work. The people at Field of Schemes will tell you, and they have, and they are right when they say that creating new stadiums will never, ever result in the number of employment or financial gains that supporters of the project claim it will.
However, if this could be accomplished without requiring hundreds of millions of more public funds, it might just work.
We await developments as usual.
After signing with the Boston Red Sox for the 2023 season, Turner, who is currently 39 years old, had a strong year at the plate. The right-hander gave a huge hit.23 home runs and 276/.345/.455 in 146 games. Turner concluded 2023 with a 114 wRC+, despite some regression. Turner has been a prolific hitter in his later years, even though he may not be the beast he once was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Turner, now 39, had a great season at the plate after signing with the Boston Red Sox for the 2023 season. The right-hander delivered a powerful hit.In 146 games, 23 home runs and 276/.345/.455 are hit. Turner had a 114 wRC+ by the end of 2023, despite some regression. Turner may not be the same beast he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has been a productive hitter in his later years.
After signing a contract with the Boston Red Sox for the 2023 season, Turner, aged 39, had an outstanding season at the plate. The right-hander struck out strongly.23 home runs and 276/.345/.455 are hit in 146 games. Turner experienced some regression, but by the conclusion of 2023, his wRC+ was 114. Turner has been a prolific hitter in his later years, even though he may not be the same beast he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Turner, 39, had a fantastic season at the plate after agreeing to a deal with the Boston Red Sox for the 2023 season. The right-hander got a good strikeout.In 146 games, there are 23 home runs and 276/.345/.455 hits. After a period of deterioration, Turner’s wRC+ was 114 by the end of 2023. Turner may not be the same monster he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he has been a productive hitter in his later years.
