Cubs to Naples, Fla.?

Here's a bandwagon that might be worth jumping on ...

Since the Arizona Legislature has ended its session without voting on the funding package for a new Chicago Cubs spring training stadium in Mesa, it revives talk of the Cubbies moving to Naples, Fla., according to the Phoenix Business Journal. The details:

The Legislature failed to revive a plan to help Mesa build an $84 million Cactus League ballpark for the Cubs. A bill that would have help fund that stadium via an 8 percent ticket tax on all Arizona spring training games and a new $1 fee on rental cars in the Valley failed.
Mesa officials and Major League Baseball failed to come up with a new plan and they hope to formulate one this summer and fall. The Cubs have talked to Naples, Fla., about moving their spring training to the Grapefruit League if they don’t get a new stadium in the East Valley by 2013.

Here's the Cubs' official comment - more of a no-comment as reported by Carrie Muskat of MLB.com on the Cubs' official website:

CHICAGO -- The Arizona Legislature adjourned Thursday without passing legislation the Cubs need to keep their Spring Training site in Mesa, Ariz. However, that doesn't mean the Cubs are headed to Florida.
The Cubs and Mesa officials signed a memorandum of understanding in late January that provides for exclusive negotiations between the team and the city. One of the conditions of the agreement was that the Legislature determine some kind of funding by July 12. Although lawmakers ended their session Thursday without a decision, they still could call a special session.

The Cubs are the top-drawing Spring Training team and have been wooed by officials from Naples, Fla., to relocate their facility there.