Golden Baseball League and Northern League Are in the Midst of Upheaval

David Kaval has had many roles; namely chief executive of the GBL and part of the Diamond Sports Entertainment ownership group. It was recently announced that Kaval is stepping down to take a position with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS.

With a new year closing in, the GBL will be without one of its longest standing figures.

According to Yumasun.com, Kaval will continue to sit on the Board of Directors (without an active role), while commissioner Kevin Outcalt replaces Kaval at the head of the table.  One of the chief concerns is the future state of the Chico Outlaws.

The Outlaws are owned by Diamond Sports and Entertainment, subsequently a partner with Kaval.  Outlaws president and general manager, Mike Marshall, says many things are up in air, but the main focus is to a continue to put a solid product on the field

"We're in flux about which franchises are coming back, and the breakdown and make-up of what the league's going to be next year," Marshall said, "but everything I've heard indicates that they're trying to find solid franchises. The No. 1 goal of the Outlaws is to win it again so we're trying to be a part of that."

Independent baseball has been turned upside down.

The Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League are in financial difficulties and are on the verge of being sold, while word from the Winnipeg Sun is that four teams, including the Winnipeg Goldeyes, are on the verge of joining the American Association.

The Northern League has been hit by numerous defections over the years, most notably the St. Paul Saints.  It appears this time that a recovery is not on the horizon.

In a world where change is constant, you can either embrace it or fight it.  Goldeyes owner Sam Katz has apparently taken the high road.

“When you look at the big picture you can see that it’s good for everybody,” Katz told the Winnipeg Sun, during a break in his mayoral campaign on Wednesday. “There’s a little excitement in the air, but a lot of details to be worked out.”

Needless to say, the fall meetings held in Chicago this coming weekend, will indeed have some heated discussions.

American Association commissioner Miles Wolff, the former head of the Northern League, told the Winnipeg Sun that changes, more or less, had to do with geography.

“The geography makes sense. A lot of things make sense. Most people want it to happen.”

Rumors, no doubt, will run rampant throughout the Golden Baseball League and Northern League, and you can bet the 2011 season will be thrilling, exciting, and groundbreaking. 

When more details arise, you can count on The GM's Perspective giving you all the insider information that you need.

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