Tampa Bay gets the small-market stadium win Oakland A’s fans dreamt about

For years, the A’s and Tampa Bay Rays franchises were kindred spirits, doing more with less better than anyone else in baseball.

The Rays are once again defying the odds and back in the wild-card hunt after a mid-season slump. The A’s won’t make the postseason, but have been one of the hottest and most entertaining teams in the majors since July 1.

But there is something different about the Rays heading into their final visit to Oakland: They have a new stadium on the way that will...