It’s hard to know exactly what to say or write about in the moments before a franchise-altering press conference. As of yet, we have no new information on the proposed plan to share the Tampa Bay and Montreal markets between one franchise. We have no new information on the team’s intentions or motivations.
We have a “what,” but just barely, and we do not yet know the “how” or — better yet — the “why.” Is this proposal sincere, or a ploy?
Here’s what has come from the Tampa Bay Times since the news broke last week: Marc Topkin’s reporting (which is always well sourced) a ~$550 million stadium in Tampa with ~27,000 seats that can accommodate the Rays, spring training, and Rowdies soccer games.