Tampa Bay Changes Name To Devil Sox

After purchasing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays earlier this month, new owner Stuart Sternberg announced that he would consider a change to the club’s nickname.  The World Series title for the White Sox, on the heels of last year’s championship for the Red Sox, led to an obvious choice.  Sternberg’s team will now be known as the Devil Sox.

 

“Clearly it’s the right time to capitalize on the Sox trend,” noted Sternberg.  “Last year the Red Sox ended a long drought by sweeping the World Series.  The White Sox accomplished the same feat this season.  I might as well order the World Series rings for the Devil Sox right now.”  Some observers pointed out that the champions from Boston and Chicago had been waiting over 80 years for a title.  However, Sternberg responded that due to Arizona’s 2001 World Series victory, his long-suffering club is the only franchise that entered the major leagues in 1998 and still does not have a title.

 

The announcement was met with skepticism around the major leagues.  A fellow owner even mocked Sternberg for his decision.  “I can’t imagine changing a franchise’s name to one that will just invite ridicule,” remarked Arte Moreno, owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

 

Perhaps Sternberg is engaging in wishful thinking, but any change has to be good for this franchise.  Tampa Bay is coming off a 70–91 season – the best campaign in the entire existence of the Devil Rays.  The club is somehow less famous than its AAA affiliate, the Durham Bulls.  The only memorable moment in the Devil Rays’ history was the 3000th hit for Wade Boggs in 1999.  Boggs is far better-known for winning batting titles with the Red Sox, celebrating on horseback after a Yankees’ World Series title, and allegedly downing 64 beers on a cross-country flight.

 

However, if the Devil Sox defy the skeptics and reach the Fall Classic, the odds could be in their favor against the National League adversary.  The Rays did have a 13–game inter-league winning streak in 2004.  Also, teams that play in domes (excluding retractable roof facilities) have never lost a World Series.  Indeed, the roof at Tropicana Field cannot be opened, so the controversy encountered this year in Houston will not be an issue.  The only possible objection from the league office is if commissioner Bud Selig decides that the venue is “just too crappy for our showcase event.”

 

The announcement has immediately sparked buzz in Tampa Bay.  2006 season ticket orders have already doubled from the 2005 total of 28.  Many local fans even claim that they will consider watching Devil Sox games over “Matlock.”  They know that it is time for a World Series in their town.  First the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl.  Then the Lightning skated off with the Stanley Cup.  Next, 2006 will once again be the year of the Sox.

Thomas Added To White Sox Bullpen

The south side of Chicago is abuzz with the White Sox hosting game one of the World Series on Saturday.  The club’s first American League championship since 1959 had just one downside.  Long-time White Sox star Frank Thomas missed the playoffs and most of the regular season with an injured ankle.  However, the club ensured that the Big Hurt will realize his dream of being on a World Series roster by adding him to the bullpen for the series.

 

Although surprising, the move does make sense given the inactivity of White Sox relievers during the American League Championship Series.  The bullpen pitched a total of 2/3 of an inning during the entire five-game series.  Unconfirmed reports claim that three White Sox relievers did not even show up for game five in Anaheim, instead opting for a day at Disneyland.  Therefore, the ceremonial addition of Thomas to the roster will not be at the expense of someone who is actually doing something.

 

Some may question the logic of this decision.  However, they will not criticize manager Ozzie Guillen directly, because he swears a lot and can be quite scary.  Guillen reports that Thomas will take the place of Dustin Hermanson, who has not pitched in a game since September 30 against Cleveland.  “Hermanson has been stealing money for three weeks!,” ranted the White Sox skipper.  Luis Vizcaino is another reliever who has not seen action in the postseason, but Guillen opted not to replace him on the roster with Ron Kittle.

 

The only potential risk is if a game goes deep into extra innings and Thomas is forced into use.  The Astros already played an 18–inning contest during the Division Series, and they had the luxury of inserting Roger Clemens late in that classic.  If necessity dictates use of the Big Hurt, the White Sox’ best hope is that he will take so long limping to the mound from the bullpen, the Houston batters will be lulled to sleep.

 

Most World Series observers feel that the Astros have superior relief pitching due to the presence of Brad Lidge.  However, the National Leaguers do not have a two-time MVP in their bullpen.  For Frank Thomas, his Fall Classic moment has arrived at last.