Sources say that the Bakersfield Blaze may not survive through the 2009 season, thereby forcing the Rangers to move their High A league players to another team.  Facts:

• Sam Lynn Ballpark has a seating capacity of 3500, with facilities to have a standing room only attendance of at least double that
• Opening game attendance was 1680
• Opening game attendance is usually much higher than most other games during the season
• Central California, along with Los Vegas which is essentially the same climate as Bakersfield, was hit worse than any other part of the nation in the housing crisis
• Sam Lynn Ballpark is repeatedly cited as one of the poorest parks in all of minor league baseball
• The Rangers considered moving their affiliate out of Bakersfield for 2009, but could not secure a contract with another team in time
• Owner D.G. Elmore has been quoted as having no commitment to keep the team in Bakersfield after 2009
• Elmore sports group took the Bakersfield Blaze off their ownership page ~(what kind of sign is that?)
• Their myspace page is dead

A neighbor who had season tickets for years cancelled them this year because his car dealerships in Bakersfield are absolutely dead.  He is trying to sell his 2nd house in Orange County, but will probably abandon it to the bank.  The Bakersfield area has lost interest in minor league baseball in a crumbling ballpark. Many people in Central California who would normally spend $10 per ticket and $7.50 per beer simply do not have the cash for that entertainment expense.

My question is, where would the Rangers move the team if they have to leave Bakersfield by the end of the month?  Selfishly, I hope they finish up their season at Cal State Long Beach, which is very near to me, so I can see many games.