The season is over, and as I suspected back in April, the Rays were able to have a winning season, but they were not able to do better than either the Yankees or the Red Sox.  And the reason for that: when Billy Wagner was put on waivers by the Mets and made available, even though Wagner was the answer to our prayers, Stewart Sternberg and Andy Friedman determined that the team couldn't afford the one guy who could bring us (and them) a wild card spot.  Then the Indians made Victor Martinez available.  Martinez is a quality bat, something the Rays desperately needed, but Sternberg and Friedman determined they couldn't afford to sign him.  After the Rays passed on both of these players, the Boston Red Sox signed them both, and Wagner and Martinez helped lead the Red Sox to the promised land.

   Now I read in the paper today that because of attendance (which has increased dramatically), the Rays cannot afford to buy a closer for next year. 

   Okay, we're rooting for a team that can't compete financially with the Red Sox and Yankees.  And if we as fans don't show up in large numbers to watch a team that is consigned to third place, it's OUR FAULT we're in the mess we're in.  Sorry, I don't buy it.  If you can't compete, find another investor so you can.  Rush Limbaugh is trying to buy the St. Louis Cardinal football team.  He's rich.  Go get him to invest.  My guess is that Glenn Beck is looking for some sports action.  Get him as a partner. 

    Another suggestion: instead of spending money to start a franchise in some shitty professional football league that won't last two seasons, take that money and buy a closer.  You guys must think we're stupid.  The truth is, we are stupid.  We live in St. Pete, and we're not going to root for anyone else, and you know it.  We'll buy the tickets and watch our nice, sweet little team in our comfy little bandbox struggle, while the Yankees and Red Sox go to the post season.  There are worse fates. We could be Bucs, Lightning, or FSU fans.