Phoenix mayor: Let's talk, we want the Diamondbacks to stay in city

Mayor Greg Stanton says he is committed to keeping the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix by doing whatever he can to help the team and Maricopa County resolve a dispute over $65 million in stadium repairs.

Stanton said a letter to county officials from team president Derrick Hall, revealed Monday by The Arizona Republic, was a surprise and should not lead fans to believe Phoenix has lost interest in a compromise that does not cost taxpayer money. The letter, obtained by The Republic through the Arizona Public Records Law, suggested future discussions were off.

County spokesman Fields Moseley reiterated last week, however, that the county remained committed to finding agreement.

Stanton said he worries the war of words that flared between Hall and Maricopa County Supervisor Andy Kunasek as the dispute over renovations to Chase Field climaxed in April may have left doubts about the city's role.

"Any impression that was left that the City of Phoenix wasn't interested in keeping the Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix for the long haul is inaccurate," Stanton said. "I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and get to work to keep the Diamondbacks."

Documents obtained by The Republic showed Kunasek sent a letter to Hall earlier this year describing the baseball business as "evolving into a parasitic enterprise." He accused Hall of selling a "false narrative," slandering county board members and doing "irreparable harm" to taxpayer confidence in government.

As Kunasek delivered the letter to the team, he directed a profanity-laced storm at Hall, calling on owner Ken Kendrick to "take your stupid baseball team and get out" and go back to "f--king West Virginia," according to team notes that Kunasek does not dispute.

Maricopa County rejects most of Arizona Diamondbacks' requested $65M for Chase Field upgrades

Hall wrote back to Kunasek memorializing his "verbal assault" and reminding him of the team's economic impact.

"For now, I will assume that based upon your comments, there is no interest on behalf of either the City of Phoenix or Maricopa County in furthering the past partnership (with) the Diamondbacks," Hall wrote. "Your candor with respect to this issue will cause us to move forward in a different direction."

READ THE LETTERS: Kunasek to Hall | Hall's response

Stanton said he doesn't believe Hall meant harm.

"I think he was focused in on the relationship with the county, and it was probably a mistake to reference where the City of Phoenix stands in that letter," the mayor said. "We were not a party to that letter. Nobody checked with us. And I read those letters for the first time in the (newspaper) story."

5 things to know about the Diamondbacks, Maricopa County feud

Stanton also praised Kendrick as "a good community leader and steward. We want him to stay in the community of Phoenix as long as possible."

Stanton said he reached out to the team Monday to offer assistance: "We stand ready now and into the future to facilitate a long-term solution to this situation if we can be helpful."