"Topkin writes that Workman's move to purchase a stake in the Rays is both a significant shock and a major blow to the Orlando Dreamers group, which is committed to luring an expansion franchise to Orlando. Topkin suggests that Workman was viewed as an "anchor" investor for the group's efforts to bring MLB to the city who would have been a candidate to serve as the controlling partner of a hypothetical Orlando MLB franchise."
"the organization was "surprised" when Workman conveyed that he plans to invest in the Rays, but emphasized that Workman "did not in any way suggest concerns" regarding the Dreamers initiative. Dreamers co-founder Jim Schnorf goes on to suggest that the 70-year-old Workman may have had a change of heart about waiting for the lengthy process of getting a team to Orlando, which would likely take years now that the Rays figure to stay in Tampa."
Stuart Sternberg has agreed to sell the Rays to a group led by Patrick Zalupski, with the transaction expected to finalize this month. Sternberg and other current owners will retain minority stakes after the sale. Rick Workman has joined the Zalupski ownership group, a move that surprised and significantly damaged the Orlando Dreamers expansion effort. John Morgan, the group's second-largest investor, has also departed the Dreamers initiative. MLB Hall of Famer Barry Larkin said the Dreamers were surprised but noted Workman did not express concerns about the initiative. Dreamers co-founder Jim Schnorf suggested Workman preferred the quicker opportunity with Zalupski over a lengthy Orlando expansion process. The loss of investors and the Rays' apparent commitment to Tampa make an Orlando franchise unlikely in the near future.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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