Smulyan says local investors could veto any Nationals move

October 29, 2005
Local investors in Indianapolis-based businessman Jeff Smulyan's bid to buy the Washington Nationals would be able to veto any plans to move to another city.
Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications Corp., and the former owner of the Seattle Mariners, announced that element of his bid Friday, part of an effort to quell any concern among city politicians about having someone who isn't from Washington purchase the Nationals.
"I have said on numerous occasions that we will not move the team. We want to be in Washington -- that is the whole reason for our bid in the first place," Smulyan said in a statement.
Baseball hopes to select a buyer among eight groups before the Nov. 16-17 owners' meeting. The sale price reportedly is around $450 million.
Smulyan, who says he would buy a home in the Washington area and commute from Indianapolis, has added people with local ties to his group, including former Redskins players Art Monk, Charles Mann and Calvin Hill, and former FCC chairman Richard Wiley.
BASEBALL
Reds decline 2 options
The Cincinnati Reds declined a $4.55 million option on right-hander Ramon Ortiz and turned down their $2 million mutual option with infielder Rich Aurilia.
Ortiz gets a $175,000 buyout and is eligible for salary arbitration.
Aurilia gets a $150,000 buyout and is eligible for free agency.
The Reds also hired Jim Pransky, who was in the Oakland organization, as a professional scout.
54 free agents file
Baltimore's Rafael Palmeiro became a free agent following a tumultuous season in which he became the highest-profile player suspended for steroids.
Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers, not wanted back by the Rangers after throwing a tantrum and shoving two cameramen, also filed.
Also among the 54 players filing were Boston center fielder Johnny Damon, New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams, New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza, Cleveland pitcher Kevin Millwood, Chicago Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman and Pittsburgh reliever Jose Mesa.
• Red Sox assistant general manager Josh Byrnes was hired as GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Also, the Red Sox were unable to reach an agreement with GM Theo Epstein. . . . Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt joined the growing list of candidates for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays' vacant manager's job, emerging from an interview optimistic about his prospects. . . . Infielder Ramon Vazquez and Cleveland agreed to a $700,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.
FIGURE SKATING
Czisny leads way
American Alissa Czisny, 18, won the women's short program at Skate Canada in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Czisny scored 58.54 points. Japan's Fumie Suguri, a former world bronze medalist, was second (52.12).
HORSE RACING
50 thoroughbreds moved
Fifty thoroughbreds were moved to Gulfstream Park after Calder Race Course in Hallandale Beach, Fla., was damaged by Hurricane Wilma.
Calder's main facility and track rail were extensively damaged. Many barns lost their roofs in the storm's 100-mph winds.
• Bluegrass Cat rallied for a 11/4-length victory over Political Force in the 30th running of the Grade III, $126,000 Nashua Stakes for 2-year-olds at Belmont Park. Ridden by John Velazquez, Bluegrass Cat covered one mile in 1:36.02.
SPEEDSKATING
Canadian tops world mark
Canada's Cindy Klassen broke her own world record at 1,500 meters at the World Cup team trials in Calgary, Alberta.
She was timed in 1:53.77 seconds, beating her previous mark of 1:53.87 set on Jan. 9 at a World Cup competition in Salt Lake City.
TENNIS
Roddick advances at Lyon
Top-seeded Andy Roddick advanced to the semifinals of the ATP Lyon (France) Grand Prix.
Roddick beat Croatia's Mario Ancic 6-4, 6-4 and will face Fabrice Santoro, who ousted Vincent Spadea 6-2, 6-2.
Star news services

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