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Commissioner optimistic about Rays stadium talks

 
Published Oct. 27, 2016

Commissioner upbeat on Rays stadium

CLEVELAND — MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday he continues to be "positive about the prospects" for a new Rays stadium and to believe in the Tampa Bay market, and he won't put a deadline on the talks.

Manfred said his optimism stems from regular updates from principal owner Stuart Sternberg.

"I remain positive about the prospects for a stadium derivative of the fact that Stu is positive about the prospects," Manfred said before Game 2 of the World Series. "I think both Oakland and Tampa (Bay) are issues that need to be addressed and resolved. They are really important. I think both … are major-league markets, and we need major-league quality facilities in those markets."

The Rays have been talking about sites throughout the bay area and hoping to get down to specifics over the next several months. Sternberg has suggested that MLB is getting impatient, but Manfred said with their lease running through 2027, he won't set any deadlines.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer