Take the plunge, Devil Rays ownership. Take a header into the deep end.
The Rays owners need to green-light personnel move(s) that might involve - gasp - increasing payroll. Such upgrades are critical to the long-term growth of the franchise as well as potentially generating a few wins in the short-term.
Adding a solid player or two during August's waiver trading period likely won't catapult the Rays into wild-card contention, but it could help ensure they finish third. For a franchise that has finished fifth (last) every season of its existence, this would be a massive psychological boost, a sign things are moving in the right direction along with proof that management is willing to make investments when the time is right.
If the Rays don't spend a little more now, when their payroll is a scant $23-million (24 of the 29 other teams have at least double the Rays' payroll) and they are positioned to jump in the standings, then when will they? The act of adding payroll for a starting pitcher, the gesture of opening the checkbook would mean as much to the overall vibrancy of the franchise as any actual performance boost on the field.
After an eternity in last place, it would seem prudent to do everything possible to stay in third. If the Rays do nothing and continue to slump, it would alienate fans and manager Lou Piniella. No one expects the Rays to go straight from crawling to running with a blockbuster trade. But the team finally is ready to get off the ground. Ownership must usher it to its feet by opening the wallet.
Rave: Give Maddux his proper due
Greg Maddux is the consummate pitcher's pitcher. Never blessed with a particularly strong arm or mind-blowing stuff, Maddux compensates in every other way. He has frustrated and neutralized hitters so efficiently for so long, he could become the 22nd 300-game winner today.
Maddux always has had a nice array of darting breaking balls. Good stuff becomes great in Maddux's gifted hands because he has pinpoint control and understands strengths and weaknesses. The result is a remarkable knack for avoiding a hitter's wheelhouse.
Maddux stands 6 feet, weighs about 175 and intimidates no one. He could be your accountant or surgeon. Maddux dissects the areas around the sweet spots, works fast and mows down batters.
Some have suggested Roger Clemens is the best pitcher ever. But the facts say he might not be the best of his generation.
Maddux and Clemens are virtual equals in ERA (slight edge Maddux), winning percentage (slight edge Clemens), innings per start (slight edge Clemens) and walks and hits per inning (slight edge Maddux). Clemens' strikeout advantage is offset by more walks, hit batsmen and wild pitches. Maddux, 38, has been more consistent. He hasn't won fewer than 15 games since he was 21. Clemens, 41, has been under 15 seven times. Both have been substandard in the postseason, with Maddux having a lower ERA, Clemens a higher winning percentage.
The bottom line: Maddux deserves as many accolades as Clemens. He should start getting them with win No. 300.
