Finally...

For the first time I can remember, not one, but two of teams I root for (Twins, Rays, Phillies, in that order) is in the World Series. Everyone and their mother seems to be picking the Rays in 6 or 7, which is odd, because just a few days ago, they were claiming the Rays were dead with a 3-2 lead in the ALCS.
Now, Crawford, Price, Longoria, the Flying Hawaiian, and Cole will meet the nation. As for my prediction, Rays in 7. Any team with 3 possible MVP's in their lineup will not go down without a brawl.

A Season A Decade in the Making

I held off all season to say anything, afraid to jinx them, but I think it's safe now, because the Tampa Rays are in the playoffs.
They could win the World Series.
This is a good team. And still, luck has everything to do with it. How else would you explain a team that was perennial basement dwellers, gets off to a unbelievable start, loses two of their best players, keeps on truckin, clinches their first ever playoff appearance, and is now in the drivers seat of a division with two of baseballs most dominant teams.
Let's just call it karma.

Second, about all this talk about the Tampa not deserving this team due to the attendance. For the first decade of their existence the {devil} rays have not mattered. To put this into perspective, the team that came into the majors with them, the Diamondbacks, have already won the World Series. Also, while the writers are complaining about the Rays attendance, the two-time Champion Marlins are playing to 56 fans a night.
Wait till next year.

Above all else, I just can't believe how things have changed since the days of Boggs, and McGriff. Times are changing, and maybe the AL East is a three headed monster now...

Barry + Rays= ?

Such a simple equation, yet what is the end result? Yes, if rumors come to pass, Barry Bonds, with his steroid-enlarged head, will play in Tampa for the Rays. Let that soak in a little.
Now back to the equation. Sure to Rays will get a lot of negative publicity for the move. But for the Rays, any publicity would be good.
Secondly, any fans the Rays have, will resent the team for signing the hulk. But, they will show up. Yes, they may boo, but you have to have people in attendance to boo. The Giants, in the past 7 years have had season attendance above the league average. While the Rays, have one season (1998, inaugural season) above league average. The low points included under 14,000 "fans" per game in 2002-2003. Most of those in attendance where wearing other teams jerseys.
So yes, I think the Rays should go after Barroid, despite my heart. Because Barry + Rays=Exposure. So for the few Tampa fans can get some national attention.


Also, if you wanted to know what would have happened if the Rays got Bonds, a bit earlier, this is a good read.