Not yet 25 years old and already a World Series champion. With a few more wins, several Rays would be able to claim that distinction. If it happens, Scott Kazmir, Dioner Navarro, Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, Matt Garza and David Price undoubtedly would envision their lofty place in the game not as a final destination but as a jumping-off point. ...more

October 26, 2008

Managing a World Series team has brought Joe Maddon into the national spotlight, and his hometown has gained notice along the way. ...more

October 26, 2008

The Rays have established a good relationship with the media throng that covers post-season baseball. ...more

October 25, 2008

The Tampa Bay Rays are the bounce-back kids of the postseason. And no player on the team exemplifies that more than outfielder B.J. Upton. ...more

October 24, 2008

It was nearly 1 a.m. when B.J. Upton appeared at his locker Thursday. Most of his Rays' teammates had already been quizzed about the 3-2 loss to Philadelphia in Game 1 of the World Series, and the clubhouse was beginning to clear, but a large group of reporters waited to hear what Upton had to say because, as usual, he had been a focal point of the game. It wasn't the way he would have wanted to make his World Series debut, although he did have a nice throw from center field to cut down Shane Victorino at home, saving a run. At the plate though, it wasn't good. He went hitless in four at-bats. He hit into double plays his first two times up. And then there was that thing that follows Upton continually: the hustle issue. ...more

October 23, 2008

The World Series and all of its trimmings may have been new, but the situation the Rays find themselves in today is not. ...more

October 23, 2008

Joe Maddon was pleased to discover nothing has changed in the Rays clubhouse prior to tonight's opening game of the World Series. That's just how he wants it. ...more

October 22, 2008

They have called him things like country bumpkin and Charlie Mayberry. They have made fun of his weight. They have criticized him for being too easy on his players. ...more

October 22, 2008

Phillies reliever Brad Lidge has never thrown a perfect game, but he did pitch the perfect season. ...more

October 21, 2008

If there is any solace to be gained from the Meltdown at Fenway ... well, OK, there isn't much. You can say the Rays blew the game, or you can say the Red Sox took it from them. However you want to spin it, losing a seven-run lead in the late innings when they could have clinched the pennant ... not good. ...more

October 18, 2008