The Rays currently have no idea where they will play next season following the destruction of Tropicana Field’s roof and the flooding of the ballpark, but that hasn’t stopped Pinellas County from putting their thumb on the scales.
According to Mark Parker at the St Pete Catalyst, the governing Pinellas County Commission — which pledged to fund 23% of the Rays new stadium — has delayed a vote that would have initiated the funding process for $312.5 million toward the $1.37 billion ballpark.
The problem appears to be the team’s present lack of commitment to continue playing games in Pinellas County for the next three seasons:
Commissioner Chris Latvala motioned to delay the vote until the team answered that question, which could have jeopardized stadium plans and the surrounding $6.