Cubs' new owners scout spring training sites

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The new owners of the Chicago Cubs spent Wednesday scouting new spring training locations in the Mesa area.

The tour was the first trip ever to Arizona for owner Tom Ricketts, who joined other family members in two helicopters that flew across the Phoenix metropolitan area to see existing spring training facilities and potential sites in east Mesa.

Meanwhile, officials in Naples, Fla., are trying to lure the Cubs into the Grapefruit League.

The Cubs reportedly want to have new spring training facilities by 2012 or 2013.

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith says the Ricketts family revealed few additional details about what kind of facility or deal they want.

But Smith says he feels confident that each of the six sites in the Mesa area were viable candidates that would work.

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Information from: East Valley Tribune/Scottsdale Tribune, http://www.eastvalleytribune.com