SaraSox leaving Sarasota

SARASOTA -- After 11 seasons playing at Ed Smith Stadium, the SaraSox are leaving the Florida State Class A League to play in Wilmington, Del. in the Carolina League.

SaraSox General Manager Todd Stevenson told SNN's Antawan Smith that because the organization could not get into Fort Myers, which is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, Wilmington became the next best choice.

He said management expects players will develop better in Delaware because rain will not postpone as many games as here in Florida.

Stevenson said another key issue is that the team will have a larger fan base in Frawley Stadium, which has more than 6,500 seats.

The team had operated on a year-to-year lease. The SaraSox finished the 2004 season with an overall record of 75-61, including 37-30 in the second half.