KINGSTON (AP) - With the Weaver League on the verge of a new decade only 6 of the original 24 franchises remain in their original cities. In most cases these teams have competed in the playoffs and dominated the league. In Kingston, Jamaica this is not the case. Jamaica Rastafarians owner and CEO Eric Cochran has worked his butt off over these past 9 seasons to bring the Rastas to a competitive level.

"Part of the reason why I haven't just picked up and moved is because the Jamaica Rastafarians were passed down through the family by my cousin Jim" said the CEO of the Rastas.

With 90+ losses in 4 of the last 5 seasons and far from sellout crowds, the Jamaica Rastafarians have found themselves losing money every year. "It's never been about the money. I run this team for the love of the game, but if I keep running it for the love of the game and things continue as they are, we'll be bankrupt! If these losses continue then something must be done."

In the history of the Weaver League the teams that have moved from city to city haven't fared very well. But with the recent success of such teams like the Long Beach Lobsters and Cozumel Mayans, moving seems like a very reasonable option. The Rastafarians lease at Redemption Field expires at the end of the 2009 season. The less than luxurious stadium has acquired a lot of wear and tear over the years. Numerous cities have already proposed deals that would involve the Rastas moving out of Jamaica to a new stadium paid for by the taxpayers. Cochran noted, "I don't blame these cities for jumping at the chance to gain a Weaver League franchise. It would provide an economic boom for the cities, drawing spectators from all over to their respective regions to watch some Weaver League baseball.

Sources tell us that Cochran has been exclusively talking with 3 specific cities, Ashland Oregon, Springfield Missouri, and Dublin Ireland. In closing we asked Mr. Cochran if he's just tired of Jamaica or if he's looking for more support from the city of Kingston and it's people.

"My heart belongs here in Jamaica, but I'm interested in hearing plans of new stadiums if it will get me out of debt. I'm going to keep talking to other cities until I hear word from the city officials in Kingston. I hope they're reading this article now when I say that I will drop talks with all other cities IF Jamaica can deliver the Rastafarians a new stadium and come out and support us."

Here at the Weaver Times we're looking for some opinions on this topic. Should CEO Eric Cochran pack his bags? Or should he bear with his hurting team, stadium, and fans and keep the Rastas where they belong? Let him know!