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Alderson cites key issue as a positive for Rays

© St. Petersburg Times
published February 8, 2002

ST. PETERSBURG -- A top Major League Baseball official said Thursday the Rays don't meet the current criteria to be considered a candidate for contraction.

"The major determinant of a franchise for possible contraction is local revenue," MLB executive vice president Sandy Alderson said. "That's really the most critical measure. And by that measure, Tampa Bay compares reasonably well with a number of other franchises.

"Their local revenues are reasonably healthy, and I think that would continue to be the measure. Without speculating any more on Tampa Bay, I think that's really what you have to look at."

The Rays, in figures provided by MLB, ranked 21st out of 30 teams last season in total local revenue, which includes ticket sales, radio and TV rights, sponsorships and signage. They were 16th overall without factoring in gate receipts.

Chief operating officer John McHale Jr. said the Rays expect to remain in the middle of the pack. "I think we have enough agreements in place and our expectations are such that we'll stay pretty close to that number," McHale said.

Another significant factor that would keep the Rays off the contraction list is the length and strength of their lease at Tropicana Field, which runs for 26 more years.

Minnesota officials stalled contraction with favorable court rulings and the Twins had one year remaining on their lease. Baseball officials are aware legal hurdles in the Tampa Bay case would be substantial.

Baseball officials say they are committed to eliminating at least two franchises next season.

OFF AND RUNNING: The Rays' weeklong caravan starts Saturday morning with a clinic for members of the RBI program at Florida Power Park, a 12:30-2 p.m. stop at the Palm Harbor Little League opening and a 2:30-4 p.m. autograph signing at WestShore Plaza featuring Toby Hall, Tanyon Sturtze, Jason Tyner and Matt White.

HELPING HAND: The Rays of Hope Foundation made a $6,000 donation to the Hillsborough Education Foundation, which supports academic excellence in the county.

DODGERS: Kazuhisa Ishii's agent anticipates his client will sign with Los Angeles by today's deadline, a deal worth in excess of $12-million for four years. "We still don't have a completed deal, we have some issues to take care of," said Joe Urbon, Ishii's agent. "Until we resolve them, we can't announce a deal."

EXPOS: Commissioner Bud Selig began talking with other baseball officials about hiring Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to manage the team and former Anaheim boss Tony Tavares to become president, the Associated Press reported. The team is being sold to the other 29 clubs as part of the sport's unusual ownership shifts.

ORIOLES: Right-hander Sidney Ponson avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a $2.65-million, one-year contract. "Any time you can avoid arbitration, it's good for both the club and the player," said Ed Kenney, a special assistant to Syd Thrift, the Orioles vice president for baseball operations. "In this case, it was an ability between both sides to talk it out and come to an agreement."

TIGERS: Closer Matt Anderson agreed to a $9.7-million, three-year contract. The deal contains a club option for 2005 and, with performance bonuses, could be worth $16.45-million for four years.

CARIBBEAN SERIES: Izzy Alcantara homered and the Dominican Republic downed previously unbeaten Mexico 4-3 in Caracas, Venezuela. The Dominicans prevented Mexico from clinching the championship in the six-game, round-robin series. Mexico can win the title today if it beats Puerto Rico or if the Dominicans lose to Venezuela.

CANSECO SCUFFLE: A May 13 trial is set for ex-Ray Jose Canseco and twin brother Osvaldo on battery charges after a Halloween scuffle at a Miami Beach nightclub.

-- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.

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