Where's Everybody Going?

Just read an interesting article on MiLB.com about the game of affiliate musical chairs going on in the IL right now. Looks like there is a good chance that the Mets might come to Columbus - but only for two years. Now, the more I think about that, the more I wonder why the Cleveland or Cinci affiliates would want to sever the relationships with their respective teams and come here to Columbus. Yeah, we're getting a new stadium, and Columbus is a great market for just about everything. I get that.

Right now, Cleveland's AAA affiliate is the Buffalo Bisons. They have really nice digs out there- the largest minor league ballpark in the IL, and a legion of loyal fans. And, Buffalo is only about a 3 hour drive from Cleveland. Geographically, Columbus is not much closer to Cleveland than Buffalo. And the Louisville Bats, the Cinci affiliate, are less than two hours from Cinci in Louisville, KY. Their ballpark ain't too shabby either. I know, I know, there's more to the decision making process than just geography. I guess I'm just hoping that all this speculation is nothing more than the delusional rantings of Cinci and Cleveland fans too lazy to drive a few hours to go see a ballgame.

This is the thing: Columbus has its own identity. We hate the fact that Cinci and Cleveland get all the attention. This may be why we're so fiercely loyal, to the point of insanity, to our Buckeyes. It's probably why we embraced the Blue Jackets with such fervor when the NHL came to town, and why people are still filling Nationwide Arena even after the strike failed to kill the NHL. So why would we need Cinci or Cleveland baseball teams? I say, screw them! We don't need your leftovers! We're the 15th largest city in the country - bigger than the both of you! We don't need your damned baseball teams!

What we need is the Mets. Is anyone with me? Anyone at all??