We’d like to keep the franchise in Tampa Bay,” the commissioner says while acknowledging Rays owner Stuart Sternberg faces an “extraordinarily difficult situation.”

Ken Welch said that while St. Petersburg has done everything it needs in regards to the Rays' stadium deal, the city would be able to survive the team bailing.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch had a message for the Tampa Bay Rays: Either take the previously negotiated stadium deal or walk away from the plan. Welch made the remarks during his annual state of the city address on Tuesday.