Rays' Ballpark Talks May Be Back On Track After Key Comments

Rays President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman and St. Petersburg city council member Karl Nurse on Friday both "made pointed overtures toward reconciliation," just a day after Thursday's 5-3 vote against the Rays' new ballpark quest, which had seemingly "slammed the stadium door on the Rays" in the Tampa/St. Petersburg region. Silverman: "I expect conversations with the city will continue as we work toward an agreeable outcome." Some have "hailed Silverman's optimistic tone, which contrasted sharply with earlier, tougher statements from team officials." Council member Bill Dudley: "We can make things happen if we sit down and talk openly and honestly and quit all the posturing" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 12/20).