The next step, though, could be the most precarious. The county commission must then approve the lease agreement with the Orioles, which would include $7.5 million in state grants and $23.7 million in a county tourism tax. The Orioles would not be required to spend any money on the upgrades but would be responsible for operation and maintenance costs.
The five-member commission has rejected previous proposals involving the Orioles, but this one is more likely to get the four votes needed for ratification.
"We have put together a reasonable deal with a significant amount of details in it, and I am optimistic the board will look favorably on it," Bullock said. "But it is their decision, and they get to study it and ask questions and then make a determination."
Although specific renovation plans are not concrete, the Orioles would play in the current Ed Smith Stadium in 2010 and then a nearly complete renovation would begin in April. The stadium's capacity would increase from 7,500 to 8,500 and current amenities, such as the concession stands, fields and clubhouses, would be leveled and reconstructed.
"It will look like a different stadium," Bullock said.
There will be at least three practice fields in addition to the stadium at the renovated complex and five more at the Orioles' minor league headquarters a few miles away.
The Twin Lakes Park facility has been roundly criticized as subpar, with chicken-wire lockers and uneven playing fields. As part of the proposal, it would be completely upgraded and a Cal Ripken Youth Baseball Academy built alongside it to be used year-round.
The two Sarasota complexes would encompass 89 acres and provide plenty of room for all of the organization's players - a primary goal of MacPhail's when he took over the team in 2007.
Club executive vice president John Angelos, principal owner Peter Angelos' son, has been working on upgrading the spring training facilities for several years, first attempting to improve the Fort Lauderdale Stadium complex. But the city could never gain expansion approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the adjacent Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale Stadium had few amenities, a faulty lighting system and a parking lot tent for a weight room.
