For the vast majority, including me, the new stadium planned by the Tampa Bay Rays, near the current site of Tropicana Field, makes no sense and will in no way solve the problems facing the Florida team.
However, for his part, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed confidence that the new project will lead to increased support for the team. Of course…
However, Manfred had already expressed his preference for a site in Tampa. So he walked back his statements, saying during an interview on Sirius XM radio last week that location wasn’t the only factor and that he trusted Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg’s decision. .
I think Stu Sternberg is a very, very good businessman. They did a great job putting a great product on the field. He studied the situation there. I understand the debate about Tampa and St. Pete. But St. Pete is different today than it was five years ago. And I really believe that if Stu is willing to commit to the deal in St. Pete, it will be a good deal for baseball.
This all smacks of blind confidence. As if the Rays’ poor attendances, including those in their two playoff games with 19,704 and 20,198 spectators, were going to magically transform IN THE SAME PLACE.
However, this is what the Commissioner is saying.
I think there is enthusiasm for baseball in the Tampa-St. Pete. A lot goes into the situation as it exists in St. Pete right now. I think this development will generate excitement in the region.
Ah, this famous world of unicorns.
