PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark paid his annual visit to Rays camp on Friday. Afterwards, he spoke to reporters about a myriad of issues, including a couple that directly concern the Rays.
Clark said that he had a good meeting with Rays players and complimented them for being a young group that always asks a lot of questions, which he said is "a good thing."
Clark addressed the Rays' pending trip to Cuba, which is tentatively scheduled for March 22 but has not yet been officially approved. Clark acknowledged there are still challenges that need to be worked through, including issues related to safety, compensation and travel.
"I remain hopeful and optimistic that we can work through those [issues], and that the game itself will take place," Clark said. "As you start to get into it you realize there are a lot of logistics and a lot of people involved.
"I think in a perfect world you have everything settled well in advance, and in a not-so-perfect world and what could be a perfect event, it takes a little bit longer."
Clark was also asked about the Rays' stadium situation. The Rays recently received permission from the city of St. Petersburg to look around at other possible locations for a new stadium.
Obviously, any stadium issues relate to attendence and revenues.
"As a result of that relation, we pay attention," Clark said. "You appreciate the challenges that any one particular club has. You appreciate perhaps the opportunity or doors that may be opening that may improve that dynamic and how that relates to the rest of the industry. All of that is a part of the conversation we pay attention to."