DETROIT (AP) - The Motown Miracles have relocated their farm clubs this afternoon, mere days after the voters of Detroit rejected a ballot measure to set aside funds for a new ballpark.

"One has nothing to do with the other", said GM Muzyka when asked about the move. "We've found a couple of sites without baseball that we feel are ideal places for our club's prospects. The fact that the teams are moving west is not an indication that we have given up on getting a new ballpark built here in Detroit. I will, however, say that the people have not done themselves any favours by rejecting the ballot measure."

The Miracles AAA club will be located in Tacoma, Washington. The team will play its home games in the recently renovated Cheney Stadium and be known as the Tacoma Rainiers.

"Tacoma made us an offer we couldn't refuse, so we jumped all over it. The stadium is gorgeous and the city is really looking forward to minor league baseball in the Pacific Northwest. Knowing that we are a team that is rebuilding, our minor league teams were both very highly sought after knowing that we will have loads of good young prospects on display."

Motown's LOW minors club will be located in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They'll be called the Idaho Lakers. The City of Coeur d'Alene has built a brand new ballpark, right on the waters of Couer d'Alene lake, seating just over 5500. The Lakers will draw from the entire Nortern Idaho area.

"The people of Coeur d'Alene are wonderful, down to earth folks who love their baseball. It'll be a great home for our low minors team, and the Lakers will be an exciting team to watch. This season they can certainly boast that they are the most talented team in the low minors."

The city of Coeur d'Alene held a rally outside the new park, with mayor Stephen Judy on hand for the announcement.

"I personally am looking forward to sitting in the stands of the yet unnamed park, beer in hand, watching Dick Simpson play third. It's not every day you get a chance to see a future star in the Weaver League."

One has to wonder if the next team to be moving is going to be the Miracles themselves, or if Simpson will ever wear a Motown uniform.