* A detail often ignored when baseball-stadium scenarios are scrutinized is the role of Major League Baseball, per se. The NFL helps pay for stadiums; MLB doesn’t. Doesn’t this business model need to change?
* The Rays have well-documented issues with injured players and those brought in who haven’t measured up. Stuff happens. But nothing is as frustrating as the inconsistent performance of All-Star pitcher Chris Archer, the ace of the staff. He has a losing record with an ERA that’s embarrassing. His post-game comments amount to: “I have to execute better.” Yada, yada.
Here’s another theory. Maybe the well-compensated, lengthy-contracted 27-year-old has been too caught up in other roles and image. He’s the team’s union rep–usually the province of a more senior player. He’s the good-looking, articulate face and voice of the franchise. He has a well-noted, protean Afro look, sports cleats with gold trim and is the Gatorade go-to guy who splashes teammates during post-game TV interviews. ESPN followed him around in Cuba, although he didn’t pitch and doesn’t speak Spanish. He’s gets involved in community and charity work. He travels as an MLB ambassador. He’s special.
But maybe he should just go back to being Chris Archer, a young pitcher with a ton of obvious talent.