Relocate

With the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg starting next season, it marks the first time since 2009 that a pro sports franchise has moved. In my lifetime 16 teams have relocated

1982 - Raiders (Oakland to Los Angeles)
1983 - Colts (Baltimore to Indianapolis)
1985 - Kings (Kansas City to Sacramento)
1988 - Cardinals (St Louis to Arizona)
1993 - North Stars (Minnesota to Dallas)
1995 - Rams (Los Angeles to St Louis)
1995 - Raiders (Los Angeles to Oakland)
1996 - Nordiques (Quebec to Colorado)
1996 - Browns (Cleveland to Baltimore)
1997 - Jets (Winnipeg to Phoenix)
1997 - Oilers (Houston to Tennessee)
1997 - Whalers (Hartford to Carolina)
2001 - Grizzlies (Vancouver to Memphis)
2002 - Hornets (Charlotte to New Orleans)
2005 - Expos (Montreal to Washington)
2009 - Sonics (Seattle to Oklahoma City)
2011 - Thrashers (Atlanta to Winnipeg)

As for the MLB situation, I am in favor of relocation. If the state of Florida refuses to go and support their teams, then MLB should do the right thing and move them somewhere where they will be appreciated. The Rays won the AL Pennant two years ago and has had winning seasons each of the last 3 years. Attendence: bottom 5 in MLB. The Marlins won the World Series twice (1997, 2003). They have the best scouts in baseball. They are competitive every year. They will be playing in a new stadium next season. Attendence: worst in baseball. Oakland fans only care about the Raiders. The A's are like the American League version of the Marlins with the way they make the most of trades and always seem to have pieces other team covet. With that being set, I feel that will a few moves, MLB can thrive in all 30 markets.

Here is something that could make it work. The Marlins move west to Portland. It would also give Seattle a geographic interleague rival. The Rays would be an ideal candidate to move west as well, maybe somewhere like Sacramento or San Jose. I know the A's have discussed it but it would give the Rays a chance to get outta the AL East. And finally, the A's should move back to Philadelphia. Its a big enough city to support two teams and the revenue generated would make the A's competitive with the Yankees and Red Sox. Here is a breakdown of the new divisions under this format.

AL East: Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, A's
AL Central: Indians, Tigers, White Sox, Twins, Royals
AL West: Rangers, Mariners, Angels, Rays

NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Nationals, Pirates
NL Central: Reds, Cardinals, Astros, Cubs, Brewers
NL West: Giants, Dodgers, D'Backs, Padres, Rockies, Marlins

Keep in mind, its just a theory. But why does Major League Baseball continue to allow cities like Oakland, Tampa and Miami to have baseball when there are so many other deserving cities that do not?