Minor League Baseball yesterday broke its silence regarding Richmond's situation.

The Florida office that coordinates relocation of minor-league franchises confirmed in a statement that its executives met with area representatives here early this week, called the talks "preliminary dialogue," and projected additional meetings "so that an appropriate succession plan would be in place when the Braves and the International League relinquish the territory."

The statement added: "Our great game has a long history in the region and we are very interested in maintaining that into the future."

Next season, the Richmond Braves will move to Gwinnett County, Ga. The Braves and the IL won't relinquish the territory until they are convinced the new Gwinnett ballpark will be ready for the 2009 season. That go-ahead from the Braves and the IL may come in mid-July.

-- John O'Connor