Spring Training Online

Because the Japanese professional season starts in mid-March, there will be no Japanese teams training in Tucson in 2010 -- but 2011 remains a possibility.

That's the word from a Tucson delegation charged with bringing new blood into Tucson for spring training. The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies are the last two teams training in Tucson, and they'll be out after spring training 2010 when a new Phoenix complex is finished.

The hope among Tucson officials was that one or more Japanese teams could fill the gap. Bringing in a team would also help MLB on the scheduling front, as the Cactus League will be at an odd number for 2010 and beyond once the Cincinnati Reds arrive in Goodyear.

But the early start to the Japanese season killed any hopes of a replacement.

However, the fact that Japanese teams -- and Korean pro teams, too, apparently -- are interested in training in the United States in 2011 and beyond is good news for the Tucson officials. However, they were given some distressing feedback: the facilities at Hi Corbett Field and Tucson Electric Park will need some upgrading. So expect another round of discussions about a local sales tax to fix up these facilities.

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