Tiger Geist

I’m going to imagine that the Phillies are going to win the series at this point.  Question for Tampa is similar to what Detroit dealt with in the wake of the 2006 world series disaster:  How to assess their situation, how to address any glaring needs, and how long do they feel they have a window at winning?

I saw an interview with the TB GM earlier this year, and he stated something to the effect that Tampa has a limited payroll, and when they have a shot at a championship they have to take it.  Does that mean they make a serious run at a high priced free agent?  Or make some trades (ala Detroit with Gary Sheffield) for a missing piece?

I don’t think this year was a fluke for Tampa, I think they can be competitive for a few years if they decide to keep everything intact.  Whether management will give them the green-light to make some moves is to be deteremined.  In the long run, it doesn’t appear the prospects given to the Yankees in the Sheffield trade was a huge deal… on the flip side, the issue was being stuck with Sheffield and his troublesome shoulder (and contract extension).

Good luck to the Rays in the future;  I have to tip my hat (and thank them) to any team who makes espn freak out by knocking out both the Yankees and Red Sox from the playoffs (well, kept NYY out of the playoffs, knocked out Boston).  I would really tip my hat to them if they were willing to take Mr Sheffield off of Detroit’s hands.