Perhaps making it interesting to the point that everyone dismissed their chances was the only way for the Rays to do it.
It worked all season, as they proved their impressive spring training record could carry over into the regular season; as they recovered from a skid heading into the All-Star break many expected to finish them; as they responded to the loss of two of their best players in August by putting together their best month of the season.
Simply an amazing turnaround from last season–congratulations to them. Read it all.
Is there any connection between the Rays dropping the name Devil from their name and their fast ascendancy?
Maybe not, as the New Jersey Devils have been winning Stanley Cups for many years. Sigh.
pilgrim kate