Selig 'optimistic' Sternberg, Rays can find solution in market

Former commissioner and new Hall of Famer Bud Selig said Monday he remains confident the Rays under principal owner Stuart Sternberg can resolve their stadium situation in the Tampa Bay market and be successful.

"I have faith Stu is really determined to work something out and I think he will,'' Selig said. "I'm actually optimistic that he will."

Sternberg and the Rays have been looking at sites in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, with the expectation of narrowing the field before the start of next season.

Selig said the Rays faced a less complicated situation than in Oakland, where the A's have also have to navigate around the Giants territorial rights and influence in trying to get a new stadium.

"(Tampa Bay) that's a little different because I think Stu and I always agreed,'' Selig said.

In October, current commissioner Rob Manfred told the Times he remained "positive about the prospects for a stadium derivative of the fact that Stu is positive about the prospects."