Rays support MLB statement on proposal

TORONTO -- Major League Baseball issued a statement Friday morning regarding the St. Petersburg Sports Park proposal that would support a facility for the Braves to relocate to St. Petersburg to conduct Spring Training. The statement read:

"Earlier this week, Major League Baseball and the Tampa Bay Rays learned of the St. Petersburg Sports Park proposal for the first time. Major League Baseball appreciates the support that it has received for the construction of Spring Training facilities throughout the State of Florida. The most pressing need, however, is the construction of a Major League-quality facility for the Rays.

"Major League Baseball is committed to working with the Rays to secure a new ballpark in cooperation with the Tampa Bay region. This can only happen with the support of local political and business leaders."

The Rays offered this statement:

"The Rays appreciate MLB's attention to this matter. We fully agree with and support their statement."