Might a new team in town for spring training get in the way of a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays?
It is one of the things the St. Petersburg City Council is considering as it ponders whether to invite the Atlanta Braves to move to the old Toytown landfill.
The City Council and the Braves have discussed turning the 240-acre site into a spring training complex. But questions remain, especially where the Rays are concerned. The Rays have been open about their desire for a new stadium, although owner Stu Sternberg has said repeatedly that he first wants the right to consider Tampa sites.
It is unknown whether the possibility of a home for the Rays would affect the thinking about the Braves. Not only would it take away one of the large plots of land, there is the possibility that it could drain public money.
“When you have a limited amount of resources, it’s kind of first in,” Mayor Rick Kriseman told the Tampa Bay Times, referring to the stiff competition for tourist tax dollars. “It’s another reason why it’s really important to move forward with the Rays.”
Said Council member Ken Welch: “My hope is that it would bring added urgency to that discussion. We can’t stand still forever.”
Of course, tourists seem to love baseball, even spring training. Everyone wants more things to do on the menu. And the Braves have long been a favorite team locally. For a long time, remember, Atlanta was the only major league team in the South.
On the other hand, flirting with one team while trying to hold onto another is risky business. Could it be that the Council wants a hedge in case the Rays do go to Tampa? Or does it foresee a day when the Braves simply compete with the Phillies and Blue Jays for spring training attention, then turns things over to the Rays when the regular season begins?
Even if the county doesn’t land the Braves, there are other plans being considered. One includes a complex that has a hotel, movie theater and stores.
