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Wednesday, July 12
Devil Rays fans give midseason report
We told you what we thought of the Devil Rays' first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the Devil Rays have to do in the second half:

Give the Devil Dogs just a one-baseball grade. They are horrible. For biggest disappointment, it's got to be Wilson Alvarez. $9 Million for this guy, and he hasn't thrown a pitch all year?? And GM Chuck LaMar claims Alvarez was "thoroughly examined" by doctors in the offseason. Which doctor, Dr. Jekyl?

Phil Kolocotronis
Tampa, Fla.

Why don't the Devil Rays get Steve Cox more ABs? This kid is awsome. They need to find a spot for him, or trade him. He will be an everyday star once he gets a chance to play every day.

Stephen Caric
Huntington Beach, Calif.

“ We need to seriously invest in some young starting pitchers, and look to trim the fat from our 'veteran' lineup. ”
— John Hay

I think your commentary is rather generous. I'm an avid Rays supporter, yet will be the first to criticize. It's fun to watch some of the "stars" play ball, but it's more fun to watch them win. During the 15-11 month, the big names were hurt and we were winning with prospects. Any given day in June, 8 of the 10 starters (including DH) would be playing in other clubs farm system. The truth is that the young guys are playing baseball and have the desire to win. With the exception of Vaughn and the young guys, there is no will to win. This is true from the front office to the management to the clubhouse.

Kenny Robinson
Tampa, Fla.

Tampa Bay may have assembled the worst pitching staff in major league history during the first half of the year by giving the likes of Cory Lidle and Ryan Rupe spots in the rotation. When you have Vinny Castilla and Jose Canseco on the DL for extended periods of time, not much more talent in the offense, and an atrocius pitching staff, what else can you expect?

Jason Sleik
Seymour, Wis.

I thought this would be a very potent lineup. Frankly, they suck. Start rebuilding, get rid of all of your high dollar players and get prospects.

Robert Decker
Lakeland, Tenn.

I agree with the analysis. I have been a D-Rays fan since their first season, and I am still proud to have a squad in Tampa. However, I feel that getting everyone back off the DL is just the start and won't be enough. We need to seriously invest in some young starting pitchers, and look to trim the fat from our "veteran" lineup. Big money for little performance isn't good business.

John Hay
Tallahassee, Fla.

McGriff has put up his numbers quietly this first half. Matter of fact, at first I really didn't think that he'd have the season that he is having. But, I'd also give MVP consideration to Bubba Trammell. Finally getting the opportunity to play everyday, Trammell has come through for the Rays. He has been the most consistant hitter, hitting above .300 since getting the chance to play everyday.

Althea Pashman
Tarpon Springs, Fla.

When discussing the Devil Rays lack of success one needs to remember who put this team together. The reason they don't have any pitching and their free agents have bombed is because Chuck Lamar is an idiot. He trades Bobby Abreu for Kevin Stocker in one awful trade and gets old retreads like Castilla and Guzman instead of going for younger players. His draft picks haven't done much either.The bright side is some of the younger players are starting to show some promise, but will they continue to get better.

Keith
Brandon, Fla.

Give the Rays credit for not completely folding up with injuries to Alvarez, Guzman, Saunders, Eiland, Canseco, Vaughn, and Castilla. The younger players stepped up to show there is a bright future ahead if the pitching ever gets healthy. Remember, this is only an expansion team!

Andrew Hutcheson
Ocala, Fla. 		 

ALSO SEE
Midseason report: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

MLB midseason reports