Erik Neander wins Executive of the Year

The day they were introduced as leaders of the Rays’ new ownership group, managing partner Patrick Zalupski, co-chair Bill Cosgrove and CEO Ken Babby made a promise.

Well, really, they established a rule.

“None of us, and none of the partners, are allowed to talk to, or have any influence on, baseball operations,” Zalupski said last October, smiling.

Added Cosgrove: “Zero.” Later,…