Angels, Anaheim working toward new deal

The Angels and the city of Anaheim have commenced discussions on a pact that would anchor the team to the town for the foreseeable future and perhaps also provide the club a renovated ballpark.

As reported in The Los Angeles Times on Sunday, Angels president John Carpino confirmed the negotiations. The Angels are currently tied to the city through the 2016 season, after which the team's lease with Angel Stadium is set to expire.

"The City of Anaheim and Angels Baseball have entered into discussions relating to the current lease agreement," Carpino said in a statement. "These discussions, which are in the early stages, are focused on maintaining a high-quality fan experience for many years to come."

Arte Moreno purchased the franchise in May 2003. Later that year, the ballpark, owned by the city, was renamed Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In 2005, Moreno changed the team's official name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The modification of the moniker led to a lawsuit, though a jury sided with Moreno in 2006.

Now, it appears as though both sides have since reconciled, as Anaheim mayor Tom Tait indicated to the paper.

"It makes sense to move along, to put the past in the past and work for the future," Tait said. "Why wouldn't we want a good relationship with the Angels? We certainly value them tremendously in our city."