The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Sports Shorts
The Rays are in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let’s hear it for the consummate underdog that has to be smart enough and creative enough to succeed in a big-market, money-talks business. And by avoiding an ALCS collapse and coming back to win Game 7 against Houston, the Rays won’t be enabling analogies to the Lightning’s shocking playoff sweep by Columbus last year. In short, there will be no need for a Lightning-like redemption season. But maybe there will be an off-season of Lightning-like celebration. Go, Rays.
By being the winning pitcher in Game 7 against Houston, Charlie Morton became the only pitcher in MLB history to win three Game 7s. To win it all, teams need such a reliable, go-to guy on the mound. Blake Snell might agree.
For the record, the Rays are one of six MLB franchises who have yet to win a WorldSeries. The others: Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers.
“This is the best hockey town ever.”—Steven Stamkos.