Rays Owner Stu Sternberg said that he will seek a replacement for Tropicana Field "no later than 2022 -- with or without permission from St. Petersburg," according to Stephen Nohlgren of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. The city's veto power "does not extend" to any ballpark built after '27, when the venue's contract expires. Sternberg: "Right now we are talking about trying to build something in the Tampa Bay region that would have us playing before 2028. But at some point, we have to start looking at 2028." Sternberg, who was in town for the team's annual Fan Fest celebration, said, "My commitment is to get something done in this region." He said the team "open to continuing to meet" with St. Pete City Council members individually, but he added, "I don't see myself personally attending another council meeting -- or my staff." Sternberg: "It was a mistake to have our people at the last council meeting. This was a deal we struck with the mayor. It's the city's issue, not my issue. A mob mentality just does not seem to work, for us to show up. Our president came to the meeting last time and was very open with the council, and the criticism he received afterwards was uncalled for and unjust. We had nothing but the best intentions of doing what's best for the Rays and for St. Petersburg" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/22). In Tampa Bay, John Romano wrote St. Petersburg is "much better off working in unison with the Rays as opposed to holding on to the stadium contract as if its magic will last forever." Romano: "It's time for St. Petersburg to show the confidence of a city on the rise. Maybe the Rays stay, and maybe the Rays go. Either way, St. Petersburg's future is bright. And it's time to start acting that way" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/22).
