Baseball or Basketball - what would do better here?

[phesto]

The whole thing about the AAA speculation is that it doesn't really mean we would be on course for eventually stepping up to MLB level. In the near future, any AAA team in Vancouver would come about as part of the current Rogers agreement/Blue Jays affiliation, and would be an attempt to strengthen the Jays' position as "Canada's team" for marketing purposes ; for the same reason the idea of AA in Ottawa is being talked about.

Even if a AAA team in Van did extremely well, it would not likely be a stepping stone to getting an MLB team because it would potentially dilute already waning interest in the Jays. Part of the appeal of minor league baseball (as indicated in the article) is taking an interest in the major league club, so it would be a difficult proposition to go to the effort of establishing a AAA club only as a means to demonstrate demand for an MLB team that would ultimately compete with and draw interest away from the parent club; (notwithstanding obvious agreements the owners would have not to pursue MLB.)

This is why Jays exhibition games or regular season series make a ton of sense, but an actual team here does not.

I've been a avid baseball fan my entire life and I can honestly say I don't ever see MLB coming to Vancouver in the next 50 years; but even for argument's sake, I think two things need to happen before there is serious talk about it: 1) the Jays' need to regenerate excitement nationally (and themselves boost attendance) by making the playoffs again, which shouldn't be too difficult under the forthcoming playoff expansion and 2) Vancouver needs to get a AAA affiliate and have excellent attendance for a period of 5 years or more to show we have consistent interest and that we are ready to make the leap.

Once all that takes place, and someone is passionate enough about baseball and with deep enough pockets to pursue a team, then we will be in a position to discuss a minor issue (ie. the most difficult issue)...building a new stadium.