Like Curt Flood before me, I respectfully request (consumer) free-agency

To Whom It May Concern:

I do not know the exact parameters of the agreements between the cable television companies (Cox, Time Warner, etc.) and the government of San Diego. I only know that this market is one that is controlled, Time Warner dominating the county north of the San Diego River while Cox covers the area south of this natural marker.

I do know that I have money to spend but I am being prevented from spending it

I wish to spend money on the product known as the San Diego Padres so that I can watch their baseball games just as my friends do in southern San Diego. But I cannot do this because Time Warner Cable and the newly created Fox Sports San Diego television station cannot find a distribution price to agree upon. I am not afforded the opportunity to switch to a competitor (Direct TV) as my current home resides behind an obstruction to their satellites. Again -- I have money and I want to purchase this product (San Diego Padres games).

If city government grants these companies operating rights in specific zones within San Diego then city government should have the right to call on them to arbitrate for a fair price. If these companies cannot agree upon a price then grant me free agency as a consumer. If they don't want my money let me give it to someone who will take it.

I would like to give my money to Major League Baseball to purchase MLB.TV and I request the opportunity to watch the out of market broadcasts for each team that the San Diego Padres play during the 2012 season. If companies within San Diego cannot figure out a way to accept the money, that I am readily willing to give, then the blackout for Padres games on MLB.TV should be lifted so I can purchase from this competitor.

Respectfully

A Consumer in the city of San Diego

Curt Flood is the reason baseball players are rich and freely move around MLB from team to team. He wrote a letter . . .

Padres and Pints: Societe Brewing with Bob Chandler

Last week we met with former Padres announcer Bob Chandler over at Societe Brewing for the latest Padres and Pints. 

The occasion was significant for us at Padres and Pints as Bob Chandler holds the distinction of being the original guest -- only then we called this little video-taping session Beers with Bob. Since then, with a rotation of guests and a moving set, it has evolved into Padres and Pints.

And if you watch closely, you'll see my screen debut. But it's quick! It's like that scene in Fight Club with the giant . . . oh, never mind. Just keep an eye out and say ya saw me so I can feel like more than just a sexy hand that occasionally raises itself during toasts while taping.

Fox Sports San Diego's Cary Chow also showed up to tape us taping Bob. And then, just to mess with Cary we started filming them, filming us, filming Bob. Wahhhhhh! So we might be on TV. Who knows . . .

While viewing Episode 5 of Padres and Pints entertain yourself with a little drinking game called  “Find the Fox Sports SD Camera!”

Intro and the Evolution of Beers with Bob

0:00-2:10

Bob’s take on the 2012 Padres (Includes bright spots!)

2:11-5:00

How will the rest of the season shake out?

5:01-6:10

Do you even get the Fox Sports San Diego channel, Bob?

6:11-7:02

Thoughts on Ownership Future and Past

7:13- 12:17

Societe Brewing: Douglas Constantiner breaks it down for Padres and Pints

12:18-15:22

Rapid Fire!!!! (Conducted at a leisurely pace . . .)

15:24-18:55

Outtake with Cary Chow of Fox Sports San Diego

19:17-20:01