“How can you not be optimistic,” Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg told the media earlier this week. “I have a belief that we can be a 90 win team,” he added.
That is a different tune than normal, and later in his quotes, he adds meaningless qualifiers and backtracks just a bit, but the proof is in the pudding. Even the Rays principal owner believes in this 2019 team, and it’s ability to make a playoff push in a tough A.L. East.
These quotes matter in relation to the front office brass’ willingness to spend money, spend assets and make a legitimate push.