What's In a Name?

You have to wonder what effects team names and uniforms have on the players. On a local note I look to the NY Mets and the NY Jets. Both closely linked in a name rhyme game, and both providing more misery and pain then joy and pride to their fans.

Look now at the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have languished at the abyss of the American League since their conception in 1998. Now in 2008 with a shortened name and modified uniform, they sit at the precipice of the Big Show, the World Series.

In 2006, the Rays began rebuilding. In 2008 , a new name and new uniform appeared. The changes being prominently marketed with these this team being the new and improved Rays. Who knew?

Is it the name or the new uniform or is it the attitude, the positive attitude. Yes the team is improved, but as the sports has shown you can be the best team on paper and not make the finals. The Yankees were great on paper the last two years. However they missed the Big Show. Why, because the Yankees seemed like not all of them believed.

The Rays will start their final quest for perfection this week, and if I were the Philadelphia Phillies I would worry and lose sleep. The Rays believe, maybe true believers that they are the best team in baseball. A positive attitude can go long for success, as as long as they believe they can succeed, the St. Petersburg Times will be able to showcase another Tampa area resident showing off his World Series Trophy. No not George Steinbrenner, principal owner of the New York Yankees, but Stuart Sternberg, principal owner of the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the minds of the Rays, they have conquered the best baseball has tossed at them. They have risen from the abyss of the AL East cellar to the American League Champs. In the course of that they have run over the almighty New York Yankees and the Boston Red Soxs. They may be concerned about the Phillies, but they have the edge, success and a positive attitude.

That said I predict a great world series, as the Phillies have been absent from the Big Show. Balance that with the we can do do it Rays, and anything can happen.