Interesting

Ballparkdigest had this last week and I missed posting it then. But, it was still interesting, so:

Schumer: Syracuse Can Get Mets

The New York Mets are showing "very real interest" in relocating their top minor league team to Syracuse, according to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, who is actively lobbying for the move.

The senator said he spoke with Mets owner Fred Wilpon about the potential move of the baseball team's Triple-A affiliate from New Orleans to Syracuse for the 2009 season.

He said Wilpon agreed it seems like a perfect fit.

Did he now?

New York's senior senator, who has long lobbied for businesses in New York City to expand Upstate, said nobody has asked him to provide assistance from the federal government.

Schumer said he simply used his influence in a way that could give Mets fans in Central New York what they have clamored for since the New York Yankees ended their affiliation with the Chiefs after the 1977 season - a chance to root for the young stars of a New York major league baseball team.

But, what about some of those pesky rules?

No deal between the Mets and Syracuse can be signed until after the upcoming season, during a two-week window in September. That is also when the Mets' agreement with the New Orleans Zephyrs expires.

The Chiefs are barred under baseball's tampering rules from talking to another major league team while under contract with the Blue Jays.

Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz declined to discuss the potential move Thursday, citing the same tampering rules.

Does Syracuse have anything to say?

John Simone, general manager of the Syracuse Chiefs, was also cautious.

"I can't really comment on work agreements until the end of the year," Simone said Thursday. "But people like Sen. Schumer, who are not affiliated with the team, can do what he wants as a Mets fan, a friend of our ball club and as a senator. We've told him we would definitely welcome his help."

Simone said the team has enjoyed a long and good relationship with Schumer.

Simone also said everyone in minor league baseball is aware of the rare opportunity to serve as the long-term host of the Mets' top affiliate.

Before moving to New Orleans last year, the Mets had their Triple-A team in Norfolk, Va., for 39 years, and owned the franchise until about 15 years ago, Simone said.

New Orleans Zephyrs, what say you?

Mike Schline, general manager of the New Orleans Zephyrs, said the Mets have not approached the team to discuss the possibility of ending their agreement.

"From our standpoint - being three months away from opening day, and trying to get our momentum going for the season - it's disappointing to hear some of these discussions are going on," Schline said.

Schline said the Mets have been part of the revitalization of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The Zephyrs added a new scoreboard, sound system and lights after Katrina, he said.

Go read the whole thing.