Conn. team that could move here occupying top spot

If the Connecticut franchise moves to Richmond next year — that seems the most likely scenario — San Francisco’s Class AA club and its current fan base will likely part on a good note.

The Connecticut franchise hasn’t made the Eastern League playoffs since 2002, the last season it was affiliated with the New York Yankees. But heading into tonight’s game, the Defenders are 49-34 and leading the Eastern League North Division. Connecticut has several well-regarded young prospects, especially on its pitching staff, and is led for the first season by Steve Decker, a former big-league catcher.

“We play very traditional National League baseball,” said Charlie Dowd, the franchise’s general manager. “Steve Decker bunts, hits-and-runs, moves runners along.”

Connecticut is a remarkable 31-12 on the road, but a not-so-hot 18-22 at home.

“We’re not sure if it’s the air, the water, or if [Connecticut’s Dodd Stadium is] built on an empty graveyard. It’s bizarre,” Dowd said. Dowd said he didn’t believe the speculation since February that Connecticut would relocate to Richmond in 2010 has affected the players’ performance at home.

“In terms of support, our [attendance is] up slightly. A lot of folks are talking about ‘Flat is the new up,’ but we’re up,” Dowd said.

The Defenders still rank 11th among 12 Eastern League clubs in average home attendance (2,708). Only Erie (2,673) trails Connecticut.

By Aug. 1, Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League are expected to assign one of the 12 Eastern League franchises to Richmond. A Richmond-based ownership group, Richmond Baseball Club LC, failed to buy the Defenders earlier this year. If Connecticut does come to Richmond, the franchise’s president/managing partner, Lou DiBella, would likely remain in that capacity.