Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are in the Eastern Division of the American League.

Franchise history

From their inception in 1998, the Devil Rays have yet to be major contenders, finishing in last place in the American League East every year from 1998 to 2003. In 2003, the team signed manager Lou Piniella, a proven manager who helped the Seattle Mariners become competitive in the mid-1990s. Expectations were low for the team entering the 2004 season, but the team surprised most baseball experts by compiling a 42-41 record (.506) in their first 83 games, staying within 5 games for the American League wild card, a remarkable feat considering the team was 18 games below .500 at one point. However, the team soon returned to its losing ways, finishing the 2004 season with a record of 70-91, the best in team history, and in 4th place in the American League East, also a team best. One of their best players has been recent Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs, who became the first MLB player to have his 3,000th hit be a home run while with the Devil Rays.

Related Topics:
Lou Piniella - Seattle Mariners - 1990s - Wade Boggs

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After setbacks in the 2005 season that left them again last place in the division, and tired of what he felt was stinginess by the ownership of the team, Lou Piniella opted out of the last year of his contract. However, there was some light in the situation, as the team went on a tear after the All-Star Break, leaving them above .500 for the remainder of the season. They finished 65-97 overall, making them 37-36 since the All-Star Break after a 28-61 start.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The team is hoping for a fresh start in 2006. New owner Stuart Sternberg has already begun cleaning house, firing general manager Chuck LaMar and two of his top assistants. More changes are expected to a team that has not had a winning season in its existance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~