The Rays are working with St. Petersburg officials with the hope they can "host the Red Sox games" this weekend at Tropicana Field "assuming that's okay from a staffing and public safety standpoint," according to Marc Topkin of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Tropicana Field survived Hurricane Irma "with its roof intact and no major damage." The Rays "typically draw bigger crowds for Red Sox games and have several promotions planned during the weekend." A final decision is not expected until tomorrow at the earliest (TAMPABAY.com, 9/11). In Boston, Peter Abraham notes if MLB "opts for a neutral site in the Eastern Time Zone, Citi Field is available" as are Camden Yards and PNC Park. However, there are "indications that MLB would not play the series" in N.Y. (BOSTON GLOBE, 9/11). The Rays will play a three-game series against the Yankees at Citi Field beginning tonight. However, Topkin notes the team has to leave N.Y. Wednesday, as all hotel space is "committed to the United Nations General Assembly." Available options for Red Sox-Rays include Baltimore, Chicago, K.C., Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Boston, which "competitively would be their last choice, if that is still a factor." Rays manager Kevin Cash: "I don't really care about what takes place with us going forward, who we're playing, where we're playing. It's more of a concern of what's going on back home" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 9/11).
SAFE PLACE: In Detroit, George Sipple notes the Tigers' Spring Training facility in Lakeland, Fla., was "turned into a headquarters for emergency personnel as Hurricane Irma barreled down on South Florida." Tigers Dir of Florida Operations Ron Myers said that there were "about 50 staff members, athletic trainers, coaches, players and family members hunkered down in the TigerTown complex." Myers said that some were "moved to the windowless administrative building because it is expected to be safer" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/11).
