I just don't get it...

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays took it to the New York Yankees last night by the score of 10-8; by scattering 15 hits, including two home runs, but is the Rays' sudden fearsom offense this season the story? No. A-Rod is the story. Yeah, sure, he jacked two home runs. the 2nd one in the 9th inning was a monster. But it wasn't enough. The Rays won. Nobody mentions how Shawn Camp came in to pitch the 7th inning; an event that has usually spelled the Rays' downfall this year (opponents hitting .385 against him), and got Jeter to hit into a double play, and fanned A-Rod to end the inning! Nobody mentions how Rocco Baldelli stole a base right under the pitcher's nose while he was walking behind the mound in the 7th. Nobody mentions the Howitzer arm of Elijah Dukes, who had gunned down two runners easily, but got bad calls both times. Nobody mentions Al Reyes going to 7 for 7 in save opportunities this season. Nobody mentions that the hapless Rays just flat whooped up on the Yankees. The game was not as close as the score.

Some things to note when comparing the $200 million plus payroll Yankees to the lowly $25 million Rays:

• Team batting average: Rays .272 (3rd in AL), Yankees .286 (1st in AL)
• Home Runs: Rays 25 (2nd in AL), Yankees 26 (1st in AL)
• Runs Scored: Rays 102 (2nd in AL), Yankees 116 (1st in AL)
• Slugging Percentage: Rays .453 (2nd in AL), Yankees .454 (1st in AL)

The Rays are a #2 starter and one intimidating setup reliever from being a very scary team. They are among the league's best in most offensive categories, with a very young and talented core nucleus of players.

So, OK, props to A-Rod for the great April. Big whoop. He's not even gonna be a Yankee next year, so who really cares? Don't deny the boys from the 'Trop our day in the sun. Go home, Yankeefan!!!