MLB Franchise Notes: St. Pete Mayor Teases Campaign To Keep Rays In Town

In Tampa, Charlie Frago noted St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman on Monday night "tweeted and posted on his Facebook account a plan to keep" the Rays in the city. It was "more like a teaser of the plan," but for now, the "Baseball Forever" campaign is an "opportunity to sign up for more information." Kriseman's Chief of Staff Kevin King said that a more formal launch "will come later this week." Kriseman officials have said that the campaign "will be the city's best effort to keep the Rays" (TAMPABAY.com, 2/23).

SHOULDERING THE BLAME: Red Sox Chair Tom Werner yesterday said that ownership "has held team officials accountable for the team’s poor performance over the last two seasons and will continue to do so." Werner: "We are accountable for the last-place finishes. We don’t take it lightly. We want to give the fans a competitive ball club every year.” In Boston, Peter Abraham notes Werner "acknowledged being 'wistful'" about DH David Ortiz retiring after this season. Werner said that he hopes Ortiz "will stay in the organization in some capacity" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/24). 

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT: MLB has launched the '16 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, which will "recognize one fan per team who has been affected by breast cancer and has demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease." Braves fans 18 and older can "share stories about themselves or loved ones who are 'Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer' by visiting HonoraryBatGirl.com for a chance to be recognized by the Braves on Mother’s Day (May 8th)." A panel of judges, including a guest judging panel, will "help select the winning submissions" (AJC.com, 2/23).