Mesa prepares to spend thousands on cages for Cubs

MESA, Ariz. -- As Mesa continues efforts to keep the Chicago Cubs, the city is prepared to spend up to $750,000 for new batting cages at the team's spring training complex at Fitch Park.

The City Council is set to consider the cage issue Thursday, after delaying a planned vote Monday after Councilman Dave Richins objected to how quickly the city was trying to get a deal done for the cages.

City Manager Chris Brady said the city considered the cages part of ongoing discussions with the Cubs to modernize spring training facilities.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are considering potential new homes on the Gila River Indian Community or near Naples, Fla.

If the team stays in Mesa, it wants more modern facilities than Hohokam Park or Fitch Park, where Mesa plans to install the semi-enclosed batting cages.