One of the "most notable steps Hillsborough County has taken toward its desire to woo the Tampa Bay Rays to the county was also one of the quietest," as county commissioners in October "agreed to hire Foley & Lardner, a law firm with extensive ties" to MLB, according to William Levesque of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Under terms of the "one-year contract, the firm will be paid a flat monthly fee of $4,500 and attorneys can bill an hourly rate of up to $395." Wisconsin-based Foley & Lardner has "offices in Tampa and around the world." Foley & Lardner Partner Bob DuPuy was MLB President from '02-10, and the firm's website shows that partner Mary Braza "serves as outside counsel to MLB." But Levesque asks, "Why was the decision to hire the firm kept so quiet?" That is because Hillsborough leaders are "sensitive to any claims of tortious interference by St. Petersburg." Hillsborough County attorney Chip Fletcher said that Foley & Lardner was "hired to work on several sports-related issues and not just the Rays, saying the firm is working on contract issues related to Steinbrenner Field and Amalie Arena, among other issues." Fletcher added that Foley & Lardner attorneys have actually "done little work" on the Rays' search for a new ballpark. Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan said, "We're essentially in a holding pattern" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/28).
HELP IS ON THE WAY: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the Rays ballpark search is a "local issue." He added that he will "do whatever asked to help" the Rays, as well as the A's, to "get their stadium situations resolved." Manfred said, "I think it's always important to bear in mind that stadium construction is fundamentally a local issue -- the owner, the local government, the local communities have to be committed to the project. ... I share your view that Tampa and Oakland are situations that need to be addressed, and believe me I will be making myself available to both owners" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 1/28).
