Major League Baseball

The group seeking to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando asked a tourist tax task force for $975 million for a project that would include a stadium. The Orange County Commission will make a final determination.

The Rays, who have the best record in the American League, acquired veteran starter Freddy Peralta from the Mets and power-hitting catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks from the Marlins.

Bill Carlson says he learned of negotiated changes in the $976 million contribution during a meeting with Rays CEO Ken Babby, who recently opened individual discussions with council members.

Mayor Jane Castor says council members have been kept informed and explains her frustration was over last week's votes, but remains optimistic a deal can be done that maintains Tampa's role in the project.

In the wake of two city council votes that could set back the project, the Rays brought out illustrations to reinforce their view that the venue is a year-round "economic engine" that goes beyond baseball.

CEO Ken Babby meets with councilman Bill Carlson a day after two contentious decisions by the council and CRA board. Meantime, Mayor Jane Castor rebuked council members, eliciting a sharp response from Carlson.

The privately financed development, key to a plan to use revenue from the Drew Park CRA, will include office space that Rays CEO Ken Babby said has drawn early interest from Fortune 500 companies.

CEO Ken Babby says the Rays want Tampa's 3.5% contribution to the $2.3 billion stadium, but "we can't beg." Meanwhile, an Orlando group makes a move as the eleventh hour nears for the Tampa proposal.

Opening day is contingent on owners and the players’ union reaching an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The current labor contract expires Dec. 1, and a lockout is expected.

Ken Hagan, chair of the Hillsborough County Commission, says negotiations have included a way to transfer at least part of the city's $180 million investment to the county.

The Tampa Bay slugger says he expects to play when the regular season resumes this week after X-rays are negative. Four of Caminero's teammates also participated for the AL, which beat the NL 4-0.

Tampa Bay's longtime third baseman makes a final entrance at the Trop from 162 Landing while Tantric gives a live performance of his walkup song, "Down and Out." No one will again wear No. 3 for the Rays.