Already bounced by Canada and rejected by the state of Pennsylvania, the Blue Jays are now in talks with the Orioles about the use of Camden Yards. Dan Connolly and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic write that the O’s are kind, with a few caveats.
The biggest question, as we have learned from experience, is not whether local logistics can be organized. It is whether the final authorities will grant approval for any scheme that is resolved.
In this case, that means convincing the state of Maryland to allow another professional sports resident and, more importantly, to facilitate the flow of traffic from visiting teams to and from other states. That was the problem that confused the previous two schemes for the Blue Jays to play ball during the pandemic.
Before seeking formal approval, the two teams still need to find a way to house the Jays. According to the report, the new nomadic club could not use any of the usual clubs. Instead, they would be housed in some sort of makeshift facility, potentially one built on the Camden Yards concourse.
It’s a great situation to be working out on opening day, although fortunately the Jays’ schedule allows for a little breathing space. If the Camden Yards effort doesn’t go through, Blue Jays lessors are likely to be forced to settle for a minor league facility, most likely its main affiliate in Buffalo, New York.
