Devil Rays explore uncharted waters

From: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | Date: July 4, 2004| Author: FRED GOODALL | Copyright information

Devil Rays explore uncharted waters

Hot spell puts team above .500

By FRED GOODALL Associated Press

Sunday, July 4, 2004

St. Petersburg, Fla. -- Lou Piniella concedes he sounded pretty foolish.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager kicked off a winter luncheon tour by guaranteeing his young team won't end up in last place again and made an even bolder prediction of a .500 finish a few days later.

"A manager should be enthusiastic about the prospects for his...