Bill Foster’s rein of error came to an end last night, after Rick Kriseman beat the incumbent by a 12 point margin. During the mayoral race, Kriseman acknowledged the throng of issues he’s tasked with fixing, including (but not limited to) the Pier, curbside recycling, economic redevelopment in Midtown, and the Stadium Saga. As the Shadow of the Stadium‘s Noah Pransky noted,
“But in 2013, with Rick Kriseman knocking Foster out of office, 56% to 44%, once again, it seems to be a “win” for the Rays. Kriseman promised an end to the gridlock over a replacement stadium, while Foster maintained it was impossible to move forward and still protect the interests of St. Petersburg.”
The Tampa Bay Times took one last, post election, shot at Foster,
St. Petersburg voters sent a clear message Tuesday that they want their mayor to provide stronger leadership and their city to aim higher. That is why they replaced incumbent Mayor Bill Foster with Rick Kriseman, who promises to bring new energy and fresh ideas to City Hall. Now Kriseman should build on his solid victory, unite the city and lead St. Petersburg in a more positive direction.
In other Rays related news, the organization declined Juan Carlos Oviedo’s option. Initially signed to a minor league contract prior to the 2013 season, Oviedo sat out the entire season recuperating from Tommy John surgery. It was believed that Oviedo would be a contender for the closer spot in 2014. The Rays can either restructure a new contract for him, or start looking for a new closer. Keep in mind, you’ve got a pair of pitchers in the pen that would make excellent closer’s — Jake McGee and Alex Torres.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Rays locked up Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar, and David DeJesus. The left handed outfielder and the Rays have agreed to a new two-year contract that will cover the 2014-15 seasons, including a club option for the 2016 season. He’s projected to make $10.5MM over the span of his two year extension. The contract replaces the $6.5 million 2014 club option the Rays picked up on Sunday. As our buddy at the Rays Tank noted,
“Originally his deal wasn’t that great of a pick up, over six million for a 34 year old outfielder. But with a three year contract, a player like DeJesus is a steal. And gives the Rays some options.
On the other side of the coin it also means that Matt Joyce’s time in a Rays uniform may be over. Joyce is being pushed out, with Myers, Jennings, DeJesus, and Fuld taking up spaces. And Kiermaier and Guyer waiting in the wings, Joyce seems to be trade bait.”
Finally, Wil Myers has been lauded with another award. This time, the Rays rookie right-fielder has been awarded the MLB Players Rookie of the Year. Jose Iglesias of the Marlins was awarded the same on the NL side. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced their finalists for the 2013 Jackie Robinson Award, better known as American League Rookie of the Year. Chris Archer joins Wil Myers on the list of finalists. The BBWAA will announce the AL and NL Rookie of the Year on November 11.
Noteworthiness
- Per Noah Pransky, mayor-elect Rick Kriseman says he will reach out to the Rays this week to “Get to know each other better.”