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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 7, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- Florida product and Texas star Alex Rodriguez said it will take only two things to make the Rays, and Marlins, successful franchises:
A new retractable roof stadium and an improved team.
"Florida has a lot of things going on," Rodriguez said. "There's beaches. There's Tampa Bay football. In Miami, you've got a million things in South Beach.
"(But) I think if you set up the right venue, I think there's potential. Also you have to put a product on the field that demands the consumer get excited about it."
Rodriguez cited the Diamondbacks, who play in the downtown modern Bank One Ballpark, as an example of a franchise that did it right.
"I would love to see the BOB in this town. I think it would be incredible," Rodriguez said. "I know the BOB in downtown Miami would be rocking. You have to set up a venue where people, after work, it's very convenient for them to take the Metro-rail or just walk and go watch five, six innings and go home.
"Obviously, the product is the No.1 thing. These days, who knows? Maybe the venue is the No.1 thing because the stadiums are very important."
MVP?: With 50 home runs, 124 RBIs and a .314 average, Rodriguez is getting consideration for the league MVP award.
But not from Rays manager Hal McRae.
"Rodriguez shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence with the guys that are on winning ballclubs," McRae said. "I think he's the best player, but he's not the most valuable. If there was an award, say, for player of the year, we could go with Rodriguez. But MVP? You can't be that valuable when you're on a last-place club."
UPTON UPDATE: Talks with top draft pick B.J. Upton will continue despite an apparent stalemate over the team's $4.5-million offer that has Upton considering junior college.
"We are still very hopeful of signing B.J. Upton," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "He's an outstanding player and an outstanding young man. And we want him to be a Devil Ray. We'll continue negotiations next week and hopefully get something done."
FIRST AT SECOND: Andy Sheets is leading Brent Abernathy and Felix Escalona in an undistinguished field of second baseman.
"He's played good, extremely well," McRae said. "He's played better than the other two guys."
Meanwhile, Damian Rolls is getting a chance to show his worth as a utilityman.
"We know he brings a lot of energy to the yard," McRae said. "I like him as a swing guy. He can play the infield and play all three outfield positions. He can do almost everything."
MINOR MATTERS: Outfielder Rocco Baldelli picked up another award Friday, SportsTicker's minor league player of the year. In 117 games at Class A Bakersfield, Double-A Orlando and Triple-A Durham, Baldelli hit .331 with 28 doubles, 19 home runs, 71 RBIs and 25 steals. Baldelli also finished atop Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet and should be a favorite for its top player award. ... The Rays officially are seeking a new advanced Class A affiliate closer than Bakersfield, Calif. The Carolina League is a possibility. ... Pitcher Jose "Enger" Veras, designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Bakersfield. ... Lee Gardner won the Triple-A International League Rolaids relief man award, going 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA and 25 saves.
MISCELLANY: Infielder Russ Johnson, on rehab at Triple-A Durham after a 51/2-week absence to be treated for severe depression, likely will rejoin the team tonight. ... Wednesday's game has been picked up by ESPN2 and will be shown locally. ... Jorge Sosa will pitch winter ball in the Dominican Republic. ... Rolls is scheduled to play centerfield tonight with Randy Winn at designated hitter and Aubrey Huff playing third. ... Texas' Ivan Rodriguez has a .418 average (81-for-194) against the Rays with 16 homers and 48 RBIs. ... Rich Rodriguez got his first save since 1998. ... The Rangers have homered in 24 consecutive games, one shy of the major-league record. ... Sheets and Chris Gomez will sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today at the Lowe's store at 7301 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park.