Off the Table

It was nearly a sidebar in the reporting on the Twins' new stadium, but it merits more coverage. According to a report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Baron Budhausen says that the threat of contraction will not be used as leverage during negotiations for the next CBA.

The Baron told the Pioneer Press, "Contraction is off the table. We're not talking about contraction. It's not a secret.''

Of course, a cynic would say that it's also not a secret that the two teams on the chopping block in 2001 (the Twins and Expos) both have the taxpayer-funded yards the Baron has long claimed are necessary for the continued existence of the franchise. Coincidence? You be the judge.

Of course, there are still a few teams out there agitating for new stadiums, like Oakland and Florida. Will the Baron put contraction back on the table if these attempts continue to fail? Stay tuned and see...