|
|
 |
 |   |
|
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
For sale? Rays to hire a CEO, look into sale of teamPosted: Friday April 27, 2001 2:34 PMUpdated: Friday April 27, 2001 6:45 PM
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The owners of the struggling Tampa Bay Devil Rays plan to hire a chief operating officer and are exploring the possibility of selling the team. Vince Naimoli, the controlling owner of the team who has been at odds with his other partners, said the Devil Rays will hire a person who will run the team's day-to-day business. Naimoli will become chairman and will remain responsible for the franchise, as far as the commissioner's office is concerned. "This is a normal evolution as the team's organization progresses to a mature state," said Naimoli, reading from a prepared statement. "I am at the stage of life where 18-hour days, seven-day weeks in not something I want to continue forever." Naimoli was evasive when asked about reports that the team will be put up for sale. He said discussions are underway to hire an investment banker to advise the club "concerning strategic alternatives, including the possible sale of the club." His partners include Bob Basham, Mark Bostick, Chris Sullivan, Daniel M. Doyle Sr. and the Griffin Family Trust. There have been rumors of a possible rift between Naimoli and his investors for months, however none of them have had anything to say publicly about their relationship. Speculation resumed this week when the St. Petersburg Times reported that the others wanted to oust Naimoli, in part, because he has alienated fans as well as corporate and local business leaders. The Devil Rays have struggled on the field and at the box office, with attendance declining steadily since the team drew 2.5 million in its inaugural season in 1998. The three-game series against the Royals that ended Thursday attracted just 33,258, including a franchise record low of 11,056 on Tuesday night. Friday's announcement came little more than a week after manager Larry Rothschild was fired following three last-place finishes and another poor start this season. Sagging attendance has been attributed to the team's poor play, as well as fans' dissatisfaction with Tropicana Field, which opened in 1990 and was already outdated when the Devil Rays began play. Naimoli has been criticized for a string of public relations blunders that have created ill will toward the franchise. And general manager Chuck LaMar has contributed to the club's poor record with bad personnel moves.
|
