Maybe. I think this is merely a gambit to see if MLB will renegotiate the agreement. The city has until Dec. 31 to pass an ordinance consistent with the agreement. They can still do that. I don't think that this one, with the 50% private financing, was passed on December 14th for no reason.
I think they think they are putting pressure on baseball, and if baseball shows that they are willing to walk, then you'll see a new ordinance in the next 16 days.
Tactically, it is a smart move for the city, with no down side. They aren't necessarily killing the deal, and they are handing the MLB a bit of a PR mess. They probably think baseball won't pull out at this late date because they will have PR problems and a backlash. Thus, they think they have some leverage, and may be able to get something back from the MLB. I think, however, that baseball will stand firm on this one. If, in the end, MLB does stand firm, they just go back and pass another ordinance.
I don't think the DC City Council is nearly creative enough to come up with a scheme like that. Besides, all of the proceedings yesterday were open to the public, and there were plenty of reporters. None of them said anything about Cropp devising such a plan. She herself admitted that she just came up with the ammendment at the last minute after hearing the debate all day.
Good analysis. The city has lost all cred with Jack Kent Cook fiasco. It has taken them over 12 years now to lure a team back.
now if the city screws this up, they will really have a tough time luring in a team.