MLB

Tampa Bay, which has the AL's best record, became the first team in the majors to secure a playoff spot. Tickets for possible wild card and division round games go on sale this week.

The 4-3 vote came near the end of an eight-hour meeting. The Hillsborough County Commission has a special meeting at 9 a.m. Friday to take up what has become a fluid "final" financing agreement.

Among the changes in the 134-page contract from May's nonbinding MOU: The Rays increased their commitment by $100 million, to $1.37 billion, with a corresponding decrease in the public contribution.

A draft is expected to go public Thursday. The agreement, which will include recent proposals by Councilman Bill Carlson, would then be added to upcoming agendas for the city council and county commission.

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.

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.

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.

Predominant features in the new drawings are sky views through the see-thru cantilevered roof and an larger aquarium-like rays touch tank showcased in an expansive plaza entrance.