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Darwin Barney named manager of the Texas Rangers' Triple-A minor league team
By Dylan Mickanen January 05, 2020 2:11 PM
Darwin Barney isn't done with professional baseball just yet.
The former-Oregon State Beaver has been named manager of the Texas Rangers' Triple-A minor league team, according to a team release.
Barney played high school baseball at Southridge High School before winning back-to-back national championships in Corvallis in 2006 and 2007. Then, he played eight seasons in Major League Baseball for Cubs, Dodgers and Blue Jays, In 2012, he won the National League Golden Glove Award after finishing the season with a 0.996 fielding percentage.
In October 2018, the Portland Diamond Project announced that Barney had joined the project as an investor and advisor.
The Portland Diamond Project tweeted out their congratulations to their advisor shortly after the news.
Congratulations to Darwin Barney, new manager of the Texas Rangers' Triple-A minor league team! We're thrilled for Darwin and this opportunity and look forward to his continued involvement with the Portland Diamond Project! #MLBtoPDX pic.twitter.com/Zg7by1VDjS
— Portland Diamond Project (@PDXDiamondProj) January 4, 2020
It appears that Barney still plans on helping get Major League Baseball to Portland.
Barney's debut as the manager of the Nashville Sounds is on April 9th, 2020.
Tags: portland diamond project
Tampa Bay/Montreal deal stalled... what it could mean for MLB to Portland
By Dylan Mickanen December 04, 2019 1:13 PM
On Wednesday, it was revealed that negotiations stalled to split the Tampa Bay Rays home games between Tampa Bay and Montreal. Now, the organization has decided to honor their agreement with Tropicana Field and remain in Florida until 2027, announced in a letter from St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman addressed to City Council.
#BREAKING: the latest on the @RaysBaseball saga. pic.twitter.com/6YJfmCrrTz
— Christopher Boyd (@CMB_News) December 4, 2019
However, once the agreement ends the Rays will most likely be moving away from the area and playing in a different market. Evidenced by the organization declining Kriseman's offer to extend their deal beyond 2027. Last season, despite making the postseason, the Tampa Bay Rays were second to last in Major League Baseball in average attendance.
This could be positive news for supporters of the Portland Diamond Project, an organization dedicated to bringing Major League Baseball to Portland. With the Rays' decision, it appears a MLB franchise will be looking to relocate and Portland may be able to host the team.
Back in November 2018, the Diamond Project announced an agreement with the Port of Portland to develop Terminal 2 property as an eventual site for the stadium.
We are thrilled to announce that the Portland Diamond Project has signed an agreement in principle with the Port of Portland to develop the Port's 45-acre Terminal 2 property. Release: https://t.co/Ddi79kP4i7 #MLBtoPDX pic.twitter.com/B7PvImtXvB
— Portland Diamond Project (@PDXDiamondProj) November 29, 2018
Investors for the property include Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Nike, and more. Also, the petition to bring Major League Baseball to Portland has reached over 44,000 signatures.
Happy Civil War Week! 🏈 One thing we can all agree on ➡️ #MLBtoPDX‼️ We've reached over 44,000 signatures on our petition, help us accomplish our goal of 50k!
🔶⚫️ #gobeavs
🦆 #goducks
Sign the petition: https://t.co/Ddi79kP4i7 pic.twitter.com/w5t3RA6jm6
Wouldn't it be cool to see something like this happening in Portland?
The new dimensions seem just fine to Joey Gallo
pic.twitter.com/c4QbjToiUL
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) December 4, 2019
One can only hope.
Tags: portland diamond project, MLB
PDP issues update on status of Terminal 2
By NBCS NW Staff May 28, 2019 2:10 PM
The Portland Diamond Project (PDP) continues to work with the Port of Portland in hopes of securing a site for a future baseball stadium. Today, the PDP released some updated info as they continue to research the site and its baseball future. Below is the official press release from the PDP:
PDP Statement on T2 Extension:
Portland Diamond Project continues to evaluate Terminal 2 as the preferred site for a ballpark and mixed-use development. We have come to an agreement with the Port of Portland for up to six months of extensions to continue the due diligence period.
Port of Portland Statement:
The Portland Diamond Project asked for more time for due diligence at Terminal 2 and we feel comfortable extending the timeline.
Will Portland Diamond Project be paying the Port of Portland for the extensions?
Yes. PDP will pay the Port $37,500 for each month of additional due diligence.
When are the payments due?
PDP will pay the first Monthly Extension Fee in the amount of $37,500 on or before June 1, 2019 and will also pay five successive payments of the Monthly Extension Fee in the amount of $37,500 each, on or before the 1st day of July, August, September, October and November of 2019.
What happens when the six months are up?
At that point, we'll enter next phase of cementing our partnership with the Port to develop this property.
Is PDP considering other sites?
We love the opportunity that Terminal 2 presents for a ballpark on the waterfront and a new neighborhood that extends the central city. We have an agreement to continue evaluating Terminal 2 and that's where our energy is focused.
So, you're considering other sites?
We're focused on Terminal 2, but we'll be pursuing all options that make sense until shovels are in the ground.
Tags: MLB, portland diamond project
Portland Diamond Project reveals new renderings of proposed ballpark
By Lindsey Wisniewski April 10, 2019 2:46 PM
It's been two years since the Portland Diamond Project came to fruition, so happy PDP Day!
In celebration of the project's anniversary to bring a major league baseball team to Portland, the Portland Diamond Project released new stadium renderings of the Rose City's future ballpark.
The MLB to PDX stadium features a retractable roof, gondola suite, and centerfield and home-plate plazas, among other features. The capacity of the ballpark is expected seat between 32,000 and 34,000 fans.
In November, the project signed an agreement in principle to develop the Port of Portland's 45 acre Terminal 2 Property as the future home for Portland baseball.
So far, the project has gained lots of traction from the Portland community. A petition to show MLB officials the need for a fanbase has gained over 30,000 signatures.
Celebrate PDP Day and the project's goal to bring Major League Baseball to Portland on Wednesday at the Portland Diamond Project store across the street from Providence Park.
Portland Diamond Project Q&A: What's new with MLB to PDX
By NBCS NW Staff February 04, 2019 12:17 PM
Craig Cheek, President and Managing Director of the Portland Diamond Project, took over the PDXDiamondProj's social media account on Monday to talk MLB to PDX.
Here's a wrap-up of what Cheek, a former vice president at Nike who oversaw training, baseball and football operations, had to share from today's Twitter Q&A.
On when the project will break ground:
Ha! As soon as possible. But realistically we'd love to be putting shovels in ground sometime in early to mid 2020. -CC https://t.co/gyHVC54ASu
— Portland Diamond Project (@PDXDiamondProj) February 4, 2019
On when the Portland Diamond Project hopes the first home opener will take place:
April 5th, 2023 with a brand new, iconic ballpark and development that the city and fans are wildly excited about/proud of. -CC https://t.co/n79qFRESk5
On how likely MLB to PDX will happen on a scale of 1-100:
You're asking the guy who is living this everyday with our team. My answer is 100! -CC https://t.co/RRLW611rrU
On potential transportation options to the ballpark:
One of the many things we love about Terminal 2 is the proximity to downtown and the river. Our vision is for a ballpark and neighborhood that has outstanding transportation options, with a focus on biking and transit. (1/2) https://t.co/FlscTo3ZRu
On whether fans will be able to use boat transportation to access the ballpark:
One of the reasons we are so excited about the potential of Terminal 2 is the access to the river. So yes, we would love to envision fans taking water transportation up to a marina where you would enter the ballpark. Could be really cool and exciting. -CC https://t.co/rYF979gxfV
On whether the stadium will be a hitters or pitchers park:
Hitters park when we are up to bat. Pitchers park when we are on defense. Haha bring on the sustainable, energy efficient fans in the outfield when opposing hitters are up to the plate. -CC https://t.co/s6s0bfSTM2
On potential sites for MLB spring training:
All good options, you take your pick. Surprise, Scottsdale, Tempe...just bring on the sun! -CC https://t.co/DGn9Jh0DYf
On how Mariners fans will be accomodated in Portland:
First by an intense but fun rivalry with our neighbors to the North. Then putting a terrific baseball product on the field that has us regularly competing in the postseason. Is that aspirational enough? -CC https://t.co/OBRf5AO1WU
On obstacles left to face:
Complexity of working through city planning processes and meeting potential team timelines. We are working on all fronts and trying to clarify the roadmap but it's not easy. We are confident in our team and the progress. -CC https://t.co/uLwsyikZIh
To stay tuned to all of the latest updates, head on over to @PDXDiamondProj on Twitter.
The MLB expansion could bring the Seattle vs. Portland I-5 rivalry to new heights
By Ashley Young February 01, 2019 9:50 AM
If you have ever been to a San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game, you may have noticed the intense rivalry feeling with the "beat L.A." chants ringing in your ears.
Now imagine a similar feeling when attending the future I-5 rivalry between the Seattle Mariners and Portland…
The time can't come soon enough. But let's take a look at how the proposed MLB expansion from 30 to 32 teams will actually effect the league.
According to Axios writer Kendall Baker, who was reminded from an article published one year ago, that an expansion would most likely bring new structure to the league, and more specifically dividing the 32 teams up into four divisions rather than just the American and National league.
"One proposal would be to geographically restructure into four divisions, which would create a major reduction in travel ... and add to the natural rivalries by not just having them as inter-league attractions, but rather a part of the regular divisional battles." (It would also likely mean every team would use a DH.)
Assuming that Portland and Montreal (the other location rumored to be a part of the MLB expansion) are in, let's see the teams that would be listed in each division: East, North, Midwest, and West:
East: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals.
North: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Montreal (Expos?), New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays.
Midwest: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royal, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers.
West: Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Portland, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners.
So rather than the six divisions (AL East, AL Central, AL West, NL East, NL Central, and NL West), the league would have just four, limited long travel, and the space for rivalries to grow.
Portland Diamond Project Q&A: The latest MLB to PDX news
By NBCS NW Staff January 09, 2019 1:29 PM
Eight-year major leaguer Darwin Barney took over the Portland Diamond Project social media account this week to catch baseball fans up to speed with the latest on MLB to PDX.
Here's a wrap-up of what Barney, who is an investor and advisor for the project, had to share from today's Twitter Q&A.
On whether Portland would get an AL team, meaning a Portland-Seattle rivalry:
Not to spoil your hypothetical fun comment, but we would most likely see them in the ALCS. We most likely will be getting an AL team, as that would even out travel for the mariners and Portland, to the rest of the league... DB https://t.co/RqT3WxO8er
On which team would be most likely to relocate to Portland:
At the moment, Tampa, our Oakland. DB https://t.co/nDI58IBSJc
On whether Barney could play for Portland's new team:
I have thrown the idea around of playing again this season. But I am leaning more towards preparing for a role for the Portland team. Whether its Front office, or on field, time will tell. But for now I am, committed fully to this project... and golf.... DB https://t.co/LG2500lq1g
On whether MLB to PDX is for real:
We are not, the money is there, the land is there, MLB is ready to expand, and two MLB teams are really struggling. The time is now.. M y own personal guess is 3-5 years. But we co0uld potentially know what team we will get much sooner. DB https://t.co/GYqHdX58mM
On who would likely be memorialized for the first bobble-head giveaway:
Ha, I like this question.. Maybe R Wilson, Kurt Russel and his Dad, our mascot.. But most likely, we will do a couple of the high profile players. plenty of time to plan that when the roster is assembled. DB https://t.co/eeUEcmWDSS
On what kind of beer will be served at the park:
Local, Local, Local... DB https://t.co/7IHmXfulzq
On what's next for the project:
Continuing to grow our brand and public support. We have 17,000 signatures that support MLB tp Portland. Our goal is to reach 50k by spring training. That is huge in our presentation to the commissioner.. DB https://t.co/OC4BMaTphZ
Portland Diamond Project picks Terminal 2 site for future MLB Ballpark
By Dwight Jaynes November 29, 2018 12:26 PM
The Portland Diamond Project Thursday made it official, its preferred site for a proposed baseball stadium in Portland is the Port of Portland's Terminal 2.
The terminal is located on the Willamette River, north of the Pearl District. The media release from PDP:
PORTLAND DIAMOND PROJECT ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH PORT OF PORTLAND TO DEVELOP TERMINAL 2 PROPERTY Portland, OR – November 29, 2018 – Portland Diamond Project (PDP), the organization behind the effort to bring Major League Baseball to Portland, today announced it has signed an agreement in principle with the Port of Portland to develop the Port's 45-acre Terminal 2 property, according to PDP Founder and President Craig Cheek. "We believe this has the potential to be a transformative landmark project for this city," Cheek said. "Building an iconic, state-of-the-art ballpark along the Willamette River will catalyze economic development and capture great views of both the urban scale of the city and regional character of the Pacific Northwest." This letter of intent with the Port kicks off a collaborative process with the City of Portland, and local communities, to create a Major League Baseball ballpark and community destination.
"We're committed to building a sustainable, equitable, and accessible ballpark that reflects what makes Portland such a special place to live," Cheek said. "That means outstanding locally sourced food and beverage amenities, environmentally sustainable construction and operations, opportunities for makers and small businesses, and an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and inclusion and is welcoming to all Portlanders."
Terminal 2, which for decades handled commodities such as steel rail, bulk ores, and other oversized international cargo, offers approximately 45 acres of riverfront property with more than 2,000 linear feet of waterfront. The site is located on N.W. Front Ave., just north of the Pearl District and rapidly evolving Slabtown.
"For the past year, we've been highly focused on securing the best possible property for development of a ballpark and have deeply analyzed multiple sites," Cheek said. "Although additional options continue to present themselves, we are excited to announce that Terminal 2 is our preferred location and want to thank the Port of Portland for being such a great partner in this vision."
For more information visit http://portlanddiamondproject.com .
The latest updates in a Twitter Q & A with PDX Diamond Project
By NBCS NW Staff November 27, 2018 2:48 PM
The Portland Diamond Project is hard at work looking for a potential stadium site to bring Major League Baseball to Portland.
While baseball fans in Portland are anxiously awaiting the project's latest announcement, seven-time MLB All Star and project advisor Dale Murphy took to Twitter to answer your hard-hitting questions.
On goal for timing of a MLB team:
As soon as possible. Obviously these things take time but the city and the organization is ready for major league baseball sooner rather than later-DM https://t.co/8kuVpjaZOH
On how Portland would develop a FARM system:
In the past, in the case of expansion, major league clubs were able to protect a certain number of players in their organization and then the remaining players go into a pool for the expansion teams to draft. Then expansion teams participate in the amateur draft the next year. https://t.co/t8iCV2aDoG
On potential stadium sites:
We plan to make an announcement on stadium site by the end of this week. https://t.co/lUpWd436je
Head on over to @PDXDiamondProj on Twitter to stay tuned to all the latest updates.
New "owner" Darwin Barney on MLB to PDX: "I would bet on it"
By Dwight Jaynes October 17, 2018 8:42 AM
The Portland Diamond Project has added another notable investor to its group -- former major-league and Oregon State infielder Darwin Barney.
"The timing is real good for me," Barney, who just spent his first summer in retirement after an eight-year major-league career with the Cubs, Dodgers and Blue Jays. He was in spring training this year with the Texas Rangers but decided to walk away from the game. "I never envisioned being an owner of a major-league team but I never envisioned being a major-league player, either.
"You never know what your path is going to be, you just know what your passions are going to be. I quit playing to spend more time with my family. This came up just at the right time."
Barney is very confident that the PDP is going to be successful in its effort to bring MLB to Portland.
"I don't want to put a number on it," he said. "We think the chances are really good. I would bet on it. We could be a part of history here."
Barney starred on two national championship teams at Oregon State after a high school career at Southridge. He won a Gold Glove with the Cubs after tying the major-league record for consecutive errorless games by a second baseman.
He joins Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara as owners of the prospective team.
"We've really tried to bring a diverse group together," Barney said. "With Russell and his wife we bring a lot of different platforms to spread the word."
"I've really been impressed with the leadership of this group," he said. "They have the right people at the top. They get things done."
Tags: Ciara, Russell Wilson, portland diamond project, darwin barney
Darwin Barney named manager of the Texas Rangers' Triple-A minor league team Tampa Bay/Montreal deal stalled... what it could mean for MLB to Portland PDP issues update on status of Terminal 2 Portland Diamond Project reveals new renderings of proposed ballpark Portland Diamond Project Q&A: What's new with MLB to PDX The MLB expansion could bring the Seattle vs. Portland I-5 rivalry to new heights Portland Diamond Project Q&A: The latest MLB to PDX news Portland Diamond Project picks Terminal 2 site for future MLB Ballpark The latest updates in a Twitter Q & A with PDX Diamond Project New "owner" Darwin Barney on MLB to PDX: "I would bet on it" MLB Ballpark improvement disputes may provide more targets for Portland Diamond Project One on one with the newest investors in the Portland Diamond Project: Russell Wilson and Ciara Like it or not, Portland is becoming a big-league city so why not act like it?