According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays' plan to split their seasons between Tampa Bay and Montreal "has been killed by Major League Baseball officials."
Rays ownership has been pumping up this project for more than two years, and Topkin notes that MLB's decision to suddenly put an end to it frustrated and stunned team officials. The organization's focus, per Topkin's sources, will now shift toward building a new permanent home in the Tampa Bay area. There had been chatter about full-on relocation before the wonky split-city concept began to take shape in 2019. The current lease agreement at Tropicana Field is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2027 season.
Source: Tampa Bay Times
Jan 20, 2022, 12:20 PM ET
The Oakland Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to send the Howard Terminal environmental impact report to the Oakland City Council for certification.
Martín Gallegos of MLB.com adds that a certification decision on the environmental impact report -- covering local transportation, housing and other factors -- should come in February, which would pave the way for a final binding vote on the $12 billion project later this year. This latest milestone puts Oakland one step closer to constructing a new ballpark at the Howard Terminal site. It's an extremely encouraging development that advances the project, which has crawled forward at a glacial pace for years, towards the finish line and potentially secure the Athletics long-term future in the Bay Area.
Source: Sarah Ravani on Twitter
Jan 19, 2022, 11:00 PM ET
