The city of Edmonton is taking another crack at a long-term baseball deal at Telus Field.

The city is going through a bidding process to land the highest-level team possible in a five-year deal.

"This is really the opportunity for the baseball community to gauge what level of interest they have to bring the highest level of baseball possible to Edmonton and to operate a facility of this magnitude," said Brad Badger, with the city's recreational facilities department.

A long-term lease is needed to help land a team in a semi-pro league.

The 9,000-seat Telus Field was once the home of the Edmonton Trappers, a triple-A professional team in the Pacific Coastal League.

But over the last decade, baseball in Edmonton has been on a slide.

The Trappers were followed by the lower-level Edmonton Cracker Cats, later renamed the Capitals, and lately the collegiate-level Edmonton Prospects.

"To try to make it an active vibrant baseball hub, we've had different operating models over the years there; different levels of play."

Badger acknowledges landing a professional-level team is unlikely these days because of the expense involved and travel distances.

City council wants to see Telus Field used, Badger said.

"The trigger for this is city council, of course, has been discussing the longer-term vision for the flats area down in the Rossdale development, so this is really a lot about where does Telus Field or the ball park down there fit into the long-term plans for the area.

Last spring council rejected demolishing the ball park anytime in the next five years.

The West Rossdale Urban Design Plan, approved in 2011, includes high density housing as well as a promenade along the North Saskatchewan River.

The bids must be submitted by the end of the day today.