Rays deny any interest in moving to Montreal

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are about to start the search for a new manager but say they are not actively looking for a new home.

In response to media questions generated by the latest incarnation of a rumored potential move to Montreal, the Rays issued a statement Monday denying any such talks and saying they remain committed to success in the Tampa Bay area.

The full statement:

"We are committed to making baseball work in the Tampa Bay region. We will do everything we can to make that happen and right now things are moving in a productive and positive direction. We have not spoken to Montreal — or any other city, including Tampa — about relocation at any point."

The Montreal rumors surfaced again after a mention in a Saturday New York Daily News column by Bill Madden that Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg "has had discussions with wealthy Wall Street associates about moving the Rays to Montreal."

Outgoing commissioner Bud Selig told the Los Angeles Times on Saturday that Sternberg has not told him of any interest in moving the team.

New Rays president Brian Auld said this month he was optimistic the team would work out a deal for a new stadium in the Tampa Bay area. St. Petersburg officials said they were hopeful an agreement for permission to look at sites elsewhere in the bay area could be in place by year's end.

Also:

• Sun Sports decided to cancel this week's planned re-airings of the Rays season wrap-up show since it prominently featured former manager Joe Maddon.

• Rays officials continued discussions about the criteria for their next manager, with plans to have the interview process in place by week's end.