Rays offer hope to Tampa in the future

One of the benefits of working at a TV station is that you get to see some out of town games. Last night: the Tampa Bay Rays finished off a three game sweep of the Boston Red Sox. Can you say first place? Now to my Aunt Patricia and Uncle Jim who claim loyalty to the Yankees (Yes, Patricia goes back all the way to Bucky Dent) this is not a good sign. Like many transplanted New Yorkers now living in F-L-A, they brought their rooting interests with them. They just didn’t figure on the Rays causing them any problems.

For those of you unaware, the Yankees draw as much attention in Tampa as the Rays do-at least till now. The Yankees train in Tampa. George and Hank Steinbrenner have issued directives from the family compound. TV sports highlights almost always include the Yankees during the baseball season.

So it must BE KILLING all those Red Sox, Yankees, and I’ll say it, Mets fans in Florida that the Rays are suddenly so good. Before this season, I cared about the Rays chances of winning about as much as Adulter-Rod’s affair with Madonna. It had no bearing on my life. Now though….

I see a Tampa team with 5 starters that have a chance to win every night. My Mets, even with Santana, can’t say that. With Neither can the Yankees. The Rays? Kazmir (UGH-I’d love him with the Mets. Oh, that’s right-I HAD him) Shields, Sonnanstine , Garza and Jackson are all good-none is 27 as I type this today.

Their everyday lineup: Longoria, Upton, Baldelli (back off the DL in September) Navarro. Slugging first baseman Carlos Pena is old at 30. 38 year old closer Troy Percival kicks the average age of the team from 25 to 27. This team is good right now-best record in baseball. Let’s say they don’t beat out the Yanks and Sox for a playoff spot this year. Let’s say youth does falter in the heat of the Florida sun. That’s growing pains for NEXT year. If the Rays stay together, they’ll have to cancel 70’s Disco Night and Coppertone Beach Towel Day next season. No more “Buy One Ticket, Get 7 Free” Nights. A winning team will promote itself. What a concept.

Yes, this is a problem for my Aunt Patricia, Uncle Jim, and any Yankees and Red Sox fans in lovely Tampa. Talented youth means long term success. The Yanks and BoSox have some, but will probably continue to spend money like its paper off a tree in Sherwood Forest. Patricia and Jim, get ready for future dogfights in the A-L East.

As for me and fellow Mets supporters, let us turn our heads in shame. Omar Minaya’s spending has left me envious of the Rays doing things the RIGHT way. With plenty of age and a barren desert for masquerading as the Mets’ farm system, I get a sunburn just thinking about the future. Uncle Jim, can I move to Tampa? Maybe we can get some Rays’ season tickets before the prices skyrocket with increased success.