An alert reader writes:

Obviously [Merritt] Paulson needs a longer season for using PGE Park. And he thinks that "major league" soccer is the perfect fit.

Well, here's another league that may be a better fit, that doesn't need a special freezing mid-winter schedule, unique field, more porta-potties and all the other expensive remodel items! Maybe its such a good fit that he'll sell his business and a new guy/gal can put Beavers baseball and something else deal together.....

Unlike "major league" soccer, this league already has:

● Popular teams in 10 major league American cities like Seattle, Denver, San Diego, Dallas, etc.

● Doesn't need a new schedule.

● Doesn't have a zillion dollar franchise fee to try and recoup from fans.

● Has a championship bowl game ending the season.

● Can share its stadium time with Portland Public Schools and PSU without disruption. Can work with existing Beavers season.

● Doesn't need a special field for only its games.

● Doesn't need a costly remodel or dome. In fact, it could actually be helped by keeping the free viewing fence along SW 18th, unlike the new soccer plan.

● Won't have balls hit into traffic along MAX or cars on SW 18th.

● Has modestly priced tickets. Seattle prices start at $14 and go to $104 (before scalpers).

● Has fan-friendly players with names you can say, and yes, some divas too; and

● Has merchandise to generate extra revenue for the team owner. A sure thing for on-site beer and dog sales, too.

It's [probably NSFW] here.