LAS VEGAS - The mayor of Las Vegas sure seems to know a lot about the Tampa Bay Rays.

"They have great pitching," says Oscar Goodman, anxious to lure the major leagues to his city. "The infield is solid. I think they have the nucleus to become a dynasty."

But in St. Petersburg?

Or in Las Vegas?

As Baseball executives gather Monday on the Strip for four days of meetings, Goodman will be there, showgirls on each arm, pressuring Baseball's brass for a team.

Your team.

Goodman is not close to winning the Rays, or any other franchise, but he's further along than you might think.

And he's not the only one eyeing the Rays.

Gambling on Baseball

Goodman would probably have a hard time getting elected to the St. Petersburg City Council.