if you recall, the city was bringing in Ripken Design to study sites; estimate construction costs; and make a recommendation as to the best locale.

Mandalanta quashed that with their whiney "they're our competitor".

I think anyone following it knew Ripken would shoot that river front albatross down as the least desirable site; and there were too many who wanted the city to take over that albatross and build a stadium.

Now, we have Ripken putting together a proposal for a site across the river in the county. And they have stated repeatedly, Mandalanta can still operate their team. They just won't be operating downtown in a city funded ball park.

So the best consultant available was initially on board until the river front proponents had Mandalanta raise cain.