Local officials in Pawtucket, Rhode Island stated today that
the planned move of the Red Sox AAA franchise from their city to Providence will "devastate" the municipality's economy. A group of Red Sox owners—including
Larry Lucchino—recently purchased the team from the widow of the previous owner,
Ben Mondor. The new owners plan to re-name the franchise as the
"Rhode Island Red Sox" and play in a new riverfront stadium in the capital city. Pawtucket has been the home of team's AAA entry since 1973 (and was also briefly home of the AA franchise).
