Major League Baseball

Owner says Rays will do what's needed to contend

Published Jul. 6, 2010 8:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg says this could be a special year for his team and that the budget-minded club will not shy away from spending money to improve its chances of making the playoffs.

Sternberg said before Tuesday night's game against the Boston Red Sox that ``money won't be an object'' when it comes to considering moves to bolster the roster.

Asked if that means the Rays could make a significant addition, Sternberg said: ``By any means necessary.'' At the same time, he acknowledged money is an ``impediment'' for a team stretched thin by a payroll of about $72 million.

Sternberg said the budget remains ``well beyond stretched'' but that he is committed to doing whatever is necessary to give the Rays a chance to stay in the playoff race.