High noon today. That's when "an important announcement regarding the future of the Rays franchise" from Rays owner Stu Sternberg will be made, most likely pertaining to the team's wants/needs for a new ballpark.
We all knew this was coming.
Like a report card that could go either way when we were kids, we knew it was going to show up at some point.
The real question is how bad is it going to be?
Is it going to be an ultimatum? or an appeal to start working together to work things out?
If it's an ultimatum - a demand to have a new park in place by a set date or else - the city of St. Pete will point to a signed lease that doesn't expire until 2027, and start drafting legal documents. And the already aggressive proactive factions advocating for a ballpark in Hillsborough County will ramp up their efforts.
If it's an appeal - a call to action to work together to get something done for the benefit of all involved - the city of St. Pete will point to a signed lease that doesn't expire until 2027, and start drafting legal documents. And the already aggressive proactive factions advocating for a ballpark in Hillsborough County will ramp up their efforts.
In other words, more of the same.
Unless it's something else.
The timing of the announcement is somewhat curious. The Rays just finished a series against the Florida Marlins, whose attendance is far worse than the Rays (in spite of having won two world championships), and are getting a new ballpark next year.
Today is also the first day the Rays have not been at least tied for first place in the AL East division since April 22. Curious or coincidence?
I guess we'll find out at high noon.