You ask, Rays answer - Tuesday, 2-3

Have a question about the Rays' plans for a new stadium and downtown redevelopment that no one else has thought to ask? Or want to get something about the projects clarified? Rays president Matt Silverman and senior VP Michael Kalt will answer your questions between 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday at blogs.tampabay.com/rays. Send questions to sptsnews@sptimes.com.

Comments

[mr incredulous]

Yeah, I'm sure the SPT shills will give these Wall Street clowns the questions far in advance so they can sell some more snake oil with a lot of research. How about this question....

Would you like this plan: Present ownership pays the total price for the stadium and the site and if the Tropicana site can be redeveloped the way they suggest, they can be repaid 50 percent. Meanwhile, the long=term lease stays in effect.

I already know the answer to that Topkin. They are a joke and so are you.

[Charlie Troeger]

This is only being proposed because they can't get out of their contract on the Trop. The proper thing to do is to buy out of the contract and build a proper stadium at the Fair Grounds at the junction of I-4 & Rt.75 giving access N/S & E/W combining the Orlando to St. Pet - Tampa Fans with the Port Charlotte to Gainesville fans. Now you have a chance to fill the stadium & be able to make money on parking without giving it away. No matter how they do it if it dosn't have A/C in Florida it will fail.

[RAYS FAN]

don't look for there to be any hard-hitting questions. i have a lot of respect for the SPT but topkin's coverage of the rays is not exactly unbiased journalism.

[RaysFan]

Moving the team to Tampa is not the answer. Tampa isn't that great, the traffic is bad, and it doesn't mean more butts in seats.

St. Petersburg makes sense and why not take advantage of the beauty of downtown and the waterfront.

If they want to fill the seats they should put together a winning team. People will travel to see winners. If they travel from Boston to see the Sox play they will travel from Tampa to see the Rays provided there is something to see.

Team first, then new stadium.

[Brendan]

I still don't see why everyone is so concerned with fans traveling from Orlando, Gainesville, Sarasota, etc. In 2012 (when the stadium will be opened) gas prices will probably be at least double what they are now. Who is going to drive a 100+ mile round trip to see a team lose? So for a fan in Orlando to come even to Tampa for a game, tickets+food+gas is going to be 100+. Give me a break...

[rbrun]

Those FAT CATS from New York won't quit until they pick the pockets of all the people of St Pete and the
sorry politicians will help them.

[dave]

What does the fact that they are from NY have to do with anything?

[rbrun]

Simply an opinion dave,.....whatsa matta....you from Ny too.

[Jim]

I just gotta say... what in the hell do most of you people know about running a baseball team? Do you think that if someone hooked you up with a team you could succeed? Everyone of you just says ... spend money, spend money..I bet if it was your money you wouldn't be so free with it,.. by the way, if you don't have tickets and act like a fan you should shut up.. buy some tickets and help them actually PAY some of the players you would like to see... otherwise stfu,.. your opinion doesn't count.

[RaysFan]

Jim, as a season ticket holder my opinion does count. It's not a lot to ask that the owners put money into the team. A baseball team IS a rich man's game, as is ownership of any business. A good business owner knows to make money you have to spend money.

The fact is good ball players cost money. If they won't spend to get good players the team will never compete. If you look at the most successful owners in professional sports they all had to SPEND MONEY.

Look at the Boston Celtics - they went from worst to first in one season by signing just three players - it cost money but the butts are in seats.

By the way, they weren't just "hooked up" with a team. They bought it as a business and as Ivy League educated men they should know all businesses need to have a lot of cash thrown at it, especially during a turn around time, if it is going to succeed.

[Tampa Guy]

I agree that Tampa is not the answer at this time. For starters it would cost them too much to get out of their contract with the county. Neither is the answer a waterfront stadium downtown it what is planned to be the arts district. Have you tried getting out of Mahaffy after a concert? And that's just 2000 people if the place is sold out. A pretty view will not attract more fans. A good product will.
My suggetion? Follow the example of the Bucs and build the stadium in the parking lot of the Trop, and use the money saved to continue to build the team. You have all the room you need for the construction, better traffic accessability, better parking once the Trop is taken down (or even use it as a garage) and continue to develope the waterfront as planned. Hey, maybe even give Mahaffy a decent backstage and home for the Florida Orchesta as promised.

[rbrun]

Thanks Jim, but as a taxpayer that will ultimatly be saddled with the cost of this debacle I have every
right to comment as much as I please.

[RAYS FAN]

hey jim, which rays owner's butt did you kiss today? why don't you keep quiet and let people who CARE ABOUT THE TEAM criticize the ownership when they won't spend any money. yes, it is all about spending money. i don't get chowderheads like you who come on here and try to stick up for the ownership like you're on their payroll too. we are fans and we want to see the team win, simple as that. moves have been made this offseason, but with 10+ years of this team utterly sucking, we have the RIGHT to be suspicions and cynical about ownership.

oh yeah and as for your remark about how we wouldn't spend money if it was our own money... GET A CLUE YOU NUMBSKULL!!!!! MOST OF US DON'T MAKE TENS OF MILLIONS EVERY YEAR!!!!!! OF COURSE NONE OF US WANTS TO FINANCE A TEAM!!!!!

think before you type, you moron.

[JB]

The I-4/I-75 area makes a lot of sense.
I know that many in Citrus and other northern counties would find it a little easier to reach for games.

[JB]

The I-4/I-75 area makes a lot of sense.
I know that many in Citrus and other northern counties would find it a little easier to reach for games.

[JB]

The I-4/I-75 area makes a lot of sense.
I know that many in Citrus and other northern counties would find it a little easier to reach for games.

[dave]

What is an opinion? Not that Sternberg is from NY. That is a fact. I am not questioning your opinion that he is trying to pick the pockets of St. Pete residents. I do think it is invalid, but that was not at all my question.

My question was what difference does it make that he is from NY. Would you feel differently if he were from Georgia or Iowa or California or Michigan or Maine? Why identify him as a New Yorker? For example, suppose he were a native Floridian. Would you write "Those FAT CATS from Florida...."?

[Dioner Navarro]

Hey guys, hope nobody asks about our strength up the middle. I got that backstop position anchored as well as Johnny Bench did for the Big Red Machine!

WAR Fat a s s Catchers who can't hit their weight, throw anyone out or hold on to a ball when someone's runnin' home!!

[lanshire]

As someone who lives in Tampa, the team should stay in Pinellas. Pinellas residents would still out draw north Hillsborough residents with the current team output. When the Bucs were bad, which county had the most season ticket holders...Pinellas. Traveling into St. Pete is a lot easier than trying to fight through added 5pm traffic to get to a game over by the fairgrounds. And there would be no where to go prior to the game.

[lanshire]

RaysFan, of course you have every right to be cynical after the product that's been on display for the past 10+ years but what has the current ownership really lyed about so far. Was I happy to see the payroll not increase since they took over...no! But you have to admit the their reasoning of seeing/investing in what they have makes good sense. They'll have to start spending money now that many of their key players are going to get arbitration. At some point the mistakes of the previous owners need to stop being held against these guys. Are they ever going to spend like Steinbrenner, no. But they should be alot better than what we had.

[Mike Creyton]

As someone who attends a lot of Rays games in the spring and during the regular season from New Tampa, I would love to have the stadium on this side of the bay. I understand the lease with St. Pete is iron-clad so that won't happen anytime soon. This project looks like the best alternative. Saying that, my main concern is parking. I keep hearing that enough spaces exist and that is just not true. With the huge lots at the Trop parking is a nightmare when there is a big crowd. Those spots are going away. How far do you expect people to walk to the stadium? Especially with the nightly thunder storms with heavy lightning. The parking issue needs to addressed.

[Thomas]

All the questions are already answered in the proposal.

And the answer is NO.

The Rays cannot redevelop two public parcels and keep all the revenue for themselves.

Sorry, we're not stupid. Pack up your fancy drawings and go back to the Trop. We'll see you there in April.

[Ty Cobb]

"We won't need to raise taxes to build a new stadium?"

Who's stupid enough to fall for this?

When the referendum is held to vote yay or nay what do you believe will happen based on the current state of the US econonmy?

This is another chess move by Stu that will give him sufficient evidence to move the team if we don't get the stadium built.

[jerseyite]

Identifying the management as "Wall Streeters" rather than "New Yorkers" makes more sense and doesn't have any prejudicial intent.

That being said, when even more of the facts are known, this effort will be viewed as a total boondoggle.

[Kennedy]

I understand the reasoning for putting the team on the waterfront, but I have two questions:

1. Shouldn't this only be proposed after this area comes up with a light rail system? Folks in Pinellas and Pasco are less likely to want to drive further in and attempt to find parking. Ask anyone in say, Southern New Jersey how easy it is to get to a Phiilies/Flyers/Eagles game with a train station adjacent to their stadium complex.
2. If fans are going to wander around the downtown area and support local business before and after a game, how do you plan on competing with local establishments for the dining/bar experiences? You already have a"captive" crowd once inside the Dome with many options;what can you do to keep them in an open-air environment with bars and restaurants a block or two away?

[A thinking man]

Why not just take the roof off of the Trop? You could add drainage and put up your sails for alot less money. There would probably be enough $ left to widen Booker creek in right field for that waterfront experience.

[Paul]

Here's one: if this is such a great idea, why are us citizens of St Pete taking on the risk? Why aren't venture capital firms getting in on financing this homerun idea? Why? Because these guys are from Wall Street and they understand finances like us regular people never will, and they understand the risk isn't worth it or they'd be ponying up their own dough. These are the kinds of guys that make laws through elbow rubbing with politicians. We have no clue how to finance a stadium and that's part of the design of deals like this, keep the masses happy with some pie in the sky dreams *in this case, almost the same exact promises we already said no to, which have failed*. Sorry Rays, our waterfront is so nice that you must have it, yet you can't even put our beautiful city's name on your logo. I know, I know, regional team and all, but dang, if you want this much from St Pete citizens, at least show some love for our city, not exploitation by suggesting we stick a 300 ft stick in the ground with cables hanging off it, smack in the middle of downtown. I'm not buying this idea and I certainly would like my taxes to go down like a rock, just like Malibu tanning Charlie Crist touted.

[Aaron]

Some of you sound like a bunch of hicks. "Snakeoil salesman", give me a break. I'll bet my last dollar that if the rays build this stadium and the teams starts to win, alot of you bandwagon hicks will be right in line waiting for your playoff tickets. I cant believe some of you. we have the worst fans ever.

[Mark]

Aaron,

Professional sports are a drain on this community. They take and take tax money and give nothing back. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see all these teams leave the area. I don't care what how many games or championships they win.

Pouring taxpayer money into a private business, such as a sports team, is not a hallmark of a community's sophistication.

[Miller]

A few questions, if you please…

1. Exactly how will building a smaller venue equate to “more” jobs?
2. What will be the average salary of these jobs?
3. What will happen to the jobs, and those who fill them, currently at the Trop?
4. What is the plan for Baywalk?
5. How will moving the Baywalk concept about ½-mile to the west guarantee success?

Oh, and by the way “Aaron”… if you hate it here so much, don’t let the door hit you in the a*s on you way out. We have our fill of moronic punks as well.

[Stutheworm]

These guys are a bunch of shysters and crooks and the St Pete Times is aiding and abetting this billion dollar scam. Let these two schmucks (no not you Topkin, you're the third schmuck) answer questions in a public forum where the St Pete Times doesn't vet the questions, where the questions can be answered extemperaneously and not rehearsed. Any public official that votes for this will have been paid off. Follow the $$$$$$$$$$.

[Norm]

Question:

Exactly when (date) was the first meeting with a local politician about this plan, and who was that politician?

[Phil]

Moving the Stadium to the waterfront is a great idea. However, the design is wrong. We live in Florida and need A/C for the fans and players.

Why not have a stadium design similar to Arizona with a glass rear wall like Milwaukee's?

[jes]

Is this a done deal, secretly hashed out with the City, Mayor, Governor and other assorted representatives of private business...er I mean "the people"?
Is all this "Q&A" just a window dressing to placate the citizens who will, once again, be duped into paying for the gains and profits of private enterprize?
Will any of these questions be answered truthfully?

[Eddie]

If the Rays become contenders in the next 2 years, the fans will pack the Trop and this issue will become a non issue. It's not able to happen until 2011-2012 plenty of time for the Trop to become a crowd pleasing edifice.

[Don]

Well in hindsight, these question from the community doesn't look like such an great idea as its obviously that most folks responding hate the team and businesses in general. As for the idea, I think if the Rays can swing a plan that doesn't cost tax payers extra and it sounds like that is the plan, then I am all for it. The plan calls for not only producing a first class stadium by the bay but also involves working with the city to bring in businesses/developers to redevelop the Tropicana Field site into some new combination of housing/retail/ and restaurants. Not too many downtown's have a site like Tropicana field that they can re-develop without placing tons of families and in St Pete, we do. The end result will be lots of new construction (jobs) in downtown St. Pete and eventually, many new businesses (jobs) and restaurants (more jobs). It will really establish downtown St Pete as the place to be during baseball season as there will be a lot going on.

[jes]

It's not that I hate the Rays or businesses. My issue, and I suppose others think like me, is the use of public taxes and funds supporting private gain. I especially don't like the idea when cities, counties and the state are cutting services, letting employees go and raising fees. For example, the Codes Enforcement has slashed its staff...laying the burden of reporting violations at the feet of private citizens and not public servants. We've all heard Mayor Baker and City Officials lament that fire, police, and other services may be threatened if the property tax cuts succeed...but when it comes to spending millions on a new stadium...no problem. A new stadium at best will really benefit only a few. While more police, fire, teachers and city services will benefit the vast majority.

[rays fans]

The Rays by far have the worst fans in baseball. The responses to these blogs are a disgrace. You think you know what you're talking about, but you do not. You know nothing about running a baseball franchise. People who do and have nothing to do with the Rays think they are doing exactly what they should be doing. The Rays are not even close to being the worst franchise in baseball right now. But you are easily the worst fans in baseball.

[Aaron]

Miller who said I hated it here? Are we having the same conversation. It seems to me like you feel the only people deserving of the great city of St. Peteresburg are the ones who insist on keeping St. Petersburg image as " Heavens Waiting Room". What about those of us who dont mind seeing our city grow and become a first class city? Mark what about those of us who dont mind having our city defined by professional baseball? Some of you immediatley jumped too conclusions the moment you heard of the plan too build a new stadium downtown and turn the Trop site into affordable housing ( which we need) and retail space. Look, I cant type all day because I'm at work, but you better believe their are many people out here who support this idea. Half of you complained about the Trop since it was built, and now that we have the opportunity to get a stadium that will bring All-Star games and other venues that will bring money too our city You"Hicks" complain. Just imabgine where we will be without Baseball? Thats right the little town next to our big brother Tampa. And you all wonder why the Team isnt named the St. Pete Rays.Huh. Vote Yes

[Brendan]

it's sad that so many people are unable to articulate any reasonable objections to the new stadium.

#1- the Rays plan does not raise taxes and only requires tax revenue from the redevelopment of the Tropicana site....revenues which would not exist without the construction of a new baseball stadium.

#2- the Rays payroll will go up with the free agent signings and Kazmir arbitration. Face it, the Rays will never spend $120 million a year on payroll but they can spend between $40 and $60 million and field a competitve team.

The question I would like to see answered is how the Rays and St Petersburg plan on handling the increase in traffic and where all the cars are going to park, assuming people actually go to the games at the new baseball stadium.

[Miller]

Don, you're wrong

jes, you're right

rays fans, you're a clueless idiot

Aaron, you're supposed to be writing scripts for your boss in preparation for the "chat"

[Jon]

I moved to St Pete from up north a few years back. One of the reasons I moved to St Pete is because of the baseball team. I am a big baseball fan, especially of Al East baseball, and I wanted to be able to continue to go to games. The baseball team helped get me and my tax and spending money to St Pete. I think having baseball does bring a lot of business and recognition to the area.

[Aaron]

Jes you say the Stadium will only benefit a few. Let me ask you a question? Did you vote yes for Albet Whitted Airport to stay? If you didnt kudos for you, but if you did That has got to be one of the biggest waste of waterfront land in the county, and the airport only benefits a few.

Jes the stadium will benefit alot of people. Lets start with the Trop Tearing it down and building retail space and filling those retail spaces up will bring Jobs. Shall I go on. The construction of the new stadium will bring jobs. Those working at the new stadium will have jobs. Thier are way more shops and resteraunts in Downtown St. Pete then on 16th st. people wont have the luxury of jumping in thier cars and getting on I275 to head back home after the game. By catching trolleys the will see parts of our Downtown that they haven't visited before. Our resteraunt downtown and shops will benefit. the list goes on. Our city will benefit from hosting all- star games. Our Downtown right now is blowing Tampas out of the Water. The reason? Because St.Petersburg dared to change. Lets not stop. Vote Yes. Do too the fact that i'm typing really fast because I'm at work I wont go back and Edit this.

[Tim]

Aaron, I think a lot of people agree with you, they are just not taking the time to post. I know I agree with you. The new stadium will take St. Pete to the next level and add a lot of national recognition to the area (Just like the Super Bowl does when it is hosted at RayJay).

[Miller]

Aaron, does Rick know you're blogging on our dime?

[Mac]

While you're at it, how about digging up the North Shore pool and popping in a replacement pool like this one in Peking:

http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/venues/nac/index.shtml

[Bud]

Miller is smart. Smarter than all of you. Just ask him.

[Steve]

You got to know the Rays are pitching this thing so hard because it won't fly without dipping into taxpayers pockets. I will vote against any issue where ANY public money is used for this development.

[jes]

Aaron, I voted against ALbert Whitted...again based on the few benefitting from the taxes of the many.
As for all those jobs that will be created, I've got a question: will they be in addition to all those jobs created when the Rays first came to St. Pete? (Which really didn't pan out as we were told they would..) Most jobs relating directly to baseball will merely move from the Trop to the new stadium (no "new" jobs will be created). Granted, there'll be temporary construction jobs added... And the development at the Trop...there are currently empty lots all over St. Pete where condo towers and store fronts were supposed to go up - but are sitting empty. How about putting the monies into developing the blocks just east of the Trop building housing and shopping? Perhaps a multi-level garage/housing/retail on the Trop site itself - leaving the Trop as a centerpiece? If you want people to come to the Rays games - how about building light-rail from points out to the Trop & downtown? If you want to spend, spend, spend...let's spend it on infrastructure that will benefit us all.

[JTB]

How dare the Rays try to develop two severely under-used parcels of downtown land! I love parking lots and barren, sun-scorched vacant lots! Walk down 1st Av South next to the Trop! So alive! So vibrant! So livable! I can't understand how it has failed to create a real ballpark district! It will be ruined by mixed-use, walkable development! Plus, Steinberg & Co are from the NORTH, and therefore untrustworthy!

If we try to build a new stadium, it needs to be off the interstate in a field in Tampa, defended by AT LEAST 20,000 parking spaces! I want to get out of my air-conditioned car and walk right into an air-conditioned stadium! Who cares about making downtown a functional, possibly even livable place! I love yelling!

[LOU]

I feel the government should require the stadium be built so that A/C and a roof could be added later on....The birds during spring training at Progress Energy Field pose a real problem by going on the field and their droppings all over ...this would be a problem at new park also..

I am concerned this stadium will be built and then we all realize we need a roof and A/C....What then a THIRD Stadium????????......What makes you think the fans will accept open air stadium here instead but not in Miami??

[rays]

Please show some integrity and treat your employees with respect by paying them fair compensation. Interesting to see if you have the courage to address this vs tooting your own horn over the issue of your stadium plans to exault your egos.

[Billy]

I have been a full season ticket holder since day one and I have already purchased my ticket for the up coming season but, I will tell you it will be my last if these people insist on leaving the Trop. Whenever we play the Marlins, their fans that come up here love the Trop, they would kill for the Trop down there. Not one rainout in ten years, not to mention this is the lightning CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! The only people who ridicule the Trop are the idiot visiting sports writers covering their team, then people read this drivel and have a pre-conceived idea of our stadium but when people with these pre-conceived notions actually come to the Trop for the first time, they love it. I will not sit outside in the summer hoping that the mist machine works and I will not vote to give them the land. You spend money on our team so we can compete and people will come. Two perfect examples....Bucs and Lightning.

[Aaron]

Jes, Lets look at what your talking about. The reason why none of the business survived around the Trop but Fergs is because people had the luxury of getting off of 275, going straight inside of the Trop, and afterward getting back in thier car, and going back to Tampa or Sarasota. NO ONE STAYED.Of course no one will make money if the Fans leave the Trop and take their money back to Pasco, Tampa and Sarasota. No money to be made no one stays open long. Have you been Downtown. Tampas downtown cant touch it. When people leave the new stadium after the game Downtown will benefit. Now tell me what is wrong with that? And what is wrong with using the land left vacant by the Trop and turning that into something that will provide a big economic boost to South St. Petersburg(Jobs).

[Aaron]

Billy, the players don't even like the Trop.

[Aaron]

Billy the Bucs got a new staduim, and Lets not forget where the Lightning played before the moved into thier fancy new digs down on Channelside Dr.

[Ed]

The Rays have a lease with the city for Tropicana through 2027 which they wish to break. Instead of paying to break the lease, they have come up with a plan for the public to absorb the costs of doing so. The redevelopment value of the Trop site is not "found money" that should be given away but an asset of city taxpayers whose value, if not sqaundered now, is likely to be more in the future.

[government lackey]

In order to issue TIF bonds, the improvements (completed development of the Trop site)have to be in place with the taxes being paid. Those taxes become the revenue stream security for the bondholders. Since the improvements cannot be put in place until the Dome is torn down, and the Dome cannot be torn down until the new stadium is built, the proceeds from the TIF bonds cannot be used to build the new stadium--unless of course someone is willing to float a $150-200 million bridge loan (Will Stu do that?) in anticipation of the TIF bonds taking that position over later. So how are you going to do it?

[Babe]

what a precious jewel this site is.thousands remember spring training there sitting in the stands watching the sailboats glide by while enjoying the best of teams, teams that paraded through that area for almost 100 years. i think over-building that site is not a good idea. picture it in 20-30 years, that steel monstrosity will look worse than the upside-down pier building.