GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -City officials said Friday they will consider a 90-day agreement that gives them exclusive negotiating rights with the Cincinnati Reds about relocating the team’s spring training base to Arizona.
The Reds’ current spring training home is in Sarasota, Fla., where county officials this week put off a decision on providing $18 million for a proposed $41 million upgrade of Ed Smith Stadium.
Goodyear City Council is scheduled to meet Monday to vote on the negotiating agreement with the Reds. During the 90-day period, the city would be prohibited from talking to other clubs and the Reds could not talk to other cities, said Goodyear city spokeswoman Paula Ilardo.
The Cleveland Indians will move to Goodyear from Florida in 2009, and city officials have been looking for another team to share the complex, which includes a new 8,500-seat stadium.
If the Reds or another team relocates to Goodyear, they will have separate practice fields, clubhouses and offices, Ilardo said.
A message seeking comment was left Friday with a Reds spokesman.
The Reds’ lease in Sarasota expires later this year, with three additional one-year lease options through 2011.
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