Clark cited players' logistical, financial and familial issues for opposing the Rays' two-city propsalGETTY IMAGES
MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark said that the union "would prefer the Rays find a full time, long-term home in the Tampa Bay area" as opposed to splitting future seasons with Montreal, according to Marc Topkin of the TAMPA BAY TIMES. Clark said that "getting the players to go along" with the split-season proposal -- given the "logistical, financial and familial issues -- would 'be difficult.'" He added, "I’m not going to say it’s impossible that we couldn’t come to an agreement that’s acceptable for them to split between Tampa Bay and Montreal. But it definitely wouldn’t represent the ideal situation for players or, we think, fans in those cities either.’’ Clark concluded, "It would be our strong preference that the club and the players remain in Tampa Bay, and that they’re identified with playing in one market" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/23).
DEVELOPMENTS APLENTY: Rays Principal Owner Stu Sternberg addressed several topics during his annual spring media session on Saturday, including promotion around Japanese-born LF Yoshitomo Tsutsugo. Sternberg said that there will be "merchandise sales in Japan and ad signage and sponsorship buys" at Tropicana Field, but they "won’t 'move the needle much' nor 'really cut into what we’re paying him ($12M over two years).'" He added, "It won’t be on the level that some of the larger market teams are able to do with some of the different players. But who knows, maybe he turns out to be a real star here, as he can be, and it takes off a bit." On his future ownership of the Rays, Sternberg said, "I expect to be well into my aged years.’" On switching to mobile-only ticketing this season, he said, "We were a bit early with it." The TIMES' Topkin noted fans without smartphones "will be accommodated," and the team will "have 'commemorative tickets' available for fans attending" on Opening Day (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/23). In Tampa, John Romano wrote under the header, "Rays Do Away With Paper Tickets And I’m (Sniff, Sniff) Not Crying At All" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/22).
MORE ON TICKETING: Topkin noted the Rays this season are "debuting a new seating area just past the home dugout called The Chalk Box, featuring 66 'oversized padded seats with armrests, cupholders and tables,' and under-seat storage, plus a $15 in-stadium credit." Meanwhile, 41 of 81 Rays home games feature a "low-end price of $12 or $10." But for Opening Day, the "cheapest ticket is $40, for games against the Yankees $30 and the Red Sox $25." Additionally, the team's new "win pack is novel, allowing fans to pick any four games (for $99) and if the Rays win all to get a voucher for another" (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/23).
