Naimoli getting an active role again?!

John F · March 27th, 2007, 08:39 AM

I was reading an article in the St. Petersburg Times business section yesterday that revolved around the Devil Rays marketing... The regional approach and stadium changes were noted but what got my attention was this:

Quote:

In what might be (Matthew) Silverman's boldest and most compassionate task, he's exploring the possible public resurrection of Vince Naimoli - the guy who helped bring the Rays franchise here, then so successfully alienated this region's entire fan base.

A public relations expert is working with Naimoli, who has an office at the Trop. Can Vince be redeemed? Are we heading to the World Series? In baseball, anything's possible.

Mr. Silverman -- that's not a wise move.

You have the guy who brought Tampa Bay baseball and you also have the man who killed it. This isn't saying Vince might not be a shiny, happy person after his "intervention" by you and the new guys in charge of the Rays but cripes... The area, the REGION, doesn't hold a fond thoughts towards Vince...

You can't really have a PR firm give lessons to a guy about tact and expect him to go out in public as a Rays official while Rays fans still hate his guts.

TomInFLA · March 27th, 2007, 10:17 AM

This makes me wonder what Vince Naimoli can bring to the table that someone else couldn't. I agree with the previous post in that Mr. Naimoli only has a negative connotation in this area as to the Rays. What can possibly be gained from this move? It's a head scratcher.

I am guessing this is either a personal request by VN, or it was part of the agreement that Stuart Sternberg made with him.

John F · March 27th, 2007, 10:24 AM

Yeah, I am with you there Tom. Something has to be forced here.

I mean, if Vince were to keep a low profile but do some very public, very positive things from time to time (donations to key local charities, attending private events but only as an attendee, etc) he would start to thaw out his image. But it takes time... Not a PR firm. You can't simply turn around someone's public perception that fast... It takes years of time and effort.

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March 27th, 2007, 10:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
TomInFLA Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 18	This makes me wonder what Vince Naimoli can bring to the table that someone else couldn't. I agree with the previous post in that Mr. Naimoli only has a negative connotation in this area as to the Rays. What can possibly be gained from this move? It's a head scratcher. I am guessing this is either a personal request by VN, or it was part of the agreement that Stuart Sternberg made with him.

March 27th, 2007, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,510	Yeah, I am with you there Tom. Something has to be forced here. I mean, if Vince were to keep a low profile but do some very public, very positive things from time to time (donations to key local charities, attending private events but only as an attendee, etc) he would start to thaw out his image. But it takes time... Not a PR firm. You can't simply turn around someone's public perception that fast... It takes years of time and effort.