Anaheim Again Warns Angels

Anaheim officials continued their tough talk Tuesday, again threatening to sue the Angels and asking Major League Baseball whether the team had asked to change its name to the Los Angeles Angels.

Angel spokesman Tim Mead said that the team had not asked MLB for permission for the change. “This is not something we have the intention of springing on our partners,” he said.

Mead said that dropping Anaheim for Los Angeles was “not something on the docket to happen in the immediate future. It’s not imminent.”

The Angels already have removed Anaheim from their uniforms, schedules, website and news releases. The city is researching whether it already has grounds to sue, City Atty. Jack White said.

Angel owner Arte Moreno is considering a change in the team name to broaden its appeal and increase revenue from broadcasters and national advertisers by reminding them the team plays in the second-largest market in the country.

City officials say that, according to the lease between the team and the city, the club must be called the Anaheim Angels, a deal made in exchange for the Orange County city contributing $30 million to stadium renovations and giving up some parking and concessions revenues.

In addition to the letter to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, City Manager Dave Morgan sent two letters to Angel President Dennis Kuhl saying “the team’s actions have been tantamount to a virtual elimination of Anaheim from the team name.” Morgan also asked for assurance that the team would not change the name.

Selig has given Moreno the OK to change the team name but has urged him to work with the city. This is the second letter the city has sent to Selig. Anaheim officials said they have not received an answer from the letter sent Nov. 8.

Anaheim officials are taking a hard line against the removal of the city name. Asked if Moreno could pay the city to drop Anaheim, Mayor Curt Pringle said, “I don’t think under any circumstances would I support changing the name of the team.”