Martins Reacts To Death Of Paw Sox President

City Councilor Steve Martins was making overtures to the leadership of the Pawtucket Red Sox, asking that they seriously look at New Bedford as a home for the team, should negotiations to relocate the team to Providence fail.

However, following team President James Skeffington's death Sunday night, Martins says negotiations should be put on hold until the team feels they are ready to re-open discussions.

"What happened here just completely stunned everyone," says "I think that everyone just really needs to respect the family's wishes and let's respect him and pause for a second here until the leadership team is ready to move forward."

However, Martins says when the team is ready to resume those negotiations, he hopes that New Bedford will be considered.

"We are still very hopeful that the leadership team will still come visit New Bedford and look at possible sites incase negotiations fall through in Rhode Island," says Martins.

A team spokeswoman says Skeffington died while jogging in Barrington, R.I.

He was 73-years-old.