Shadow of the Stadium: Rays Stir Pot with Non-Denial Denial of Montreal Rumors

Monday, November 7, 2016

Rays Stir Pot with Non-Denial Denial of Montreal Rumors

Who needs to hold public discussions on when you've got an unsourced rumor from a Montreal sports reporter doing your bidding for you?

@StadiumShadow @jonmorosi First tweet from sport journalist in Montreal. https://t.co/xuxCPPH6Y0
— Patrice Derome (@PatriceDerome) November 7, 2016

If true, it seems to be a violation of the spirit of the team's agreement with St. Pete...and possibly a violation of the letter of the contract too.

But in true MLB fashion, never let a good rumor go to waste!

#SPORTSBIZ: #Rays release statement on Sternberg-Montreal rumors pic.twitter.com/WvcfMYnx9t
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) November 7, 2016

By refusing to deny the rumors, the Rays are not-so-subtely reminding Hillsborough and Pinellas elected leaders that they miiiight leave if public subsidies for a stadium aren't available here.

After all, you don't get a stadium built for you without first creating leverage.

UPDATE: MLB is also doing its part to stir the pot...and encourage Tampa Bay baseball fans to question their team's commitment to the area:

@StadiumShadow @jonmorosi Based on @trudelpierre comments, Rays studies was performed few months ago. https://t.co/UXC9n3nkAJ
— Patrice Derome (@PatriceDerome) November 8, 2016

In a way, the #Rays crossed the Rubicon today with this non-denial denial. You can't put Pandora back in the box now. https://t.co/gOKETFy7gz
— Shadow of Stadium (@StadiumShadow) November 7, 2016