The Stick Didn't Work, So Let's Try the Carrot

The Florida Marlins haven't had any luck in their quest to get a shiny new taxpayer-funded stadium. So after years of threats and tantrums, they've decided to change their strategy.

Here's how team president David Samson describes it:

It's always nice that the governor has a similar view of economic development as we do. And when he goes public saying he believes that sports teams spur economic development, we say we agree, and we're hoping the legislature does too.

Ah, yes -- the economic development card! That old chestnut! Come on, Florida -- just think of all that extra tax revenue and business that will be driven by a new yard for the Marlins! Don't you want to get in on the ground floor?

I would've thought that our experiences with new taxpayer-funded ballparks over the last twenty years would have taugbt us that these claims are (let us say) overstated, at best? But I guess there's one born every minute. Or perhaps that's what the Marlins are hoping...

There's no word of this over at Field of Schemes. But I'll be watching for more news.

One more thing: the AP report notes that Baseless Bob DuPuy (MLB's COO) said last month that scoring a new park for the Marlins was MLB's top offseason priority.

I'm sure that will come as a surprise to the anti-steroid crowd. If MLB is tring to get the Marlins a new home, who will think of the children?