Rays for Real

Matt Devins is a believer.

He wasn't always sure the Tampa Bay Rays, leading the American League East by two games through Saturday, were going to be able to hold on in a division dominated by the Yankees and Red Sox.

 

But the young team has surprised many by staying in the race including Devins, a former member of the organization after stand out careers at Notre Dame High School and Stony Brook University. Devins, 25, gave pro ball a try for three years with the franchise then known as the Devil Rays. He left baseball late last year after he was released by the team. Devins declined offers this summer to play in the Marlins and Braves organizations. Soured for a time by the game he spent most of his life playing, Devins is able to enjoy baseball again and to root for guys he played with.

 

"I think they are the real deal with all of the wins against formidable A.L. East opponents, you have to give them a shot," Devins said. "They have a realistic shot of winning the division and ultimately making it deep into the playoffs."

 

At one point or another, Devins said he had contact with most of the Tampa players now on the Major League roster. The team sent players to Devins' team in Vero Beach to rehab an injury because of the proximity to Tampa-St. Petersburg. Among the guys in Vero were catchers Dioner Navarro and Shawn Riggans. Devins had two experiences with Rays manager Joe Maddon - certainly the A.L. Manager of the Year - during spring training practices with the big club.

 

"He had a firm grip on the team and that's not always easy," Devins said.