Rays: OPS!

Uh Oh; just when you thought it was safe to bury the Yankees, they show signs of life by winning two consecutive games against the Rays. Suddenly, the Bronx Bombers have been upgraded from critical to guarded condition. Once left for dead, the ageless Yanks could be alive and kicking if they sweep the series tomorrow. For the second night in a row, the Rays appear to be sweltering under the heat of a pennant race while the Yankees are looking cool as a cucumber. At one time during the game, the Rays had the bases loaded before hitting into a double play. Yet with two runners on base, they watched outfielder, Eric Hinski, meekly fly out to left field. The play seems to underscore why a veteran team like the Yankees can't be counted on to fold. New York entered this series trailing Tampa Bay by 12 games in the loss column. More than likely, they'll be leaving town only 9 down with 26 to play. In baseball, that's a lifetime. Do you believe the concentrated pressure of their inaugural race is wearing down the Rays? Out of the blue, a team built on speed plus defense looks lumbering and all thumbs. A club reveling in the image of David could be more vulnerable than Goliath. Even New York mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, a noted Yankee fan declared,"No lead is safe." Uh oh!