Chris Archer doesn’t like the non-competitive talk about the Rays:
Archer said steady talk of the challenges the Rays face in competing against the larger market / higher payroll teams has a negative impact on the psyche of his teammates.
“I’m kind tired of hearing in interviews about a “competitive disadvantage” against these other teams,” he said.
“I get it. We might not be capable of spending with the Yankees and Red Sox. But if we keep harping on it then it permeates the minds of the players. And we don’t want the players to think that we’re at any competitive disadvantage.
“We have a different advantage I believe, and I think it comes from the scouting department and the creativeness that we’ve been able to develop over the years.
“I’m really starting to get tired of hearing the word “disadvantage” when it comes to the Rays because that’s just the wrong mentality to start with.”
The disadvantage existed for a long time, but Joe Maddon brought a positive attitude to the club house that cut through that negative thought. The Cubs showed the same quality this season, as no matter when they were down in games in the playoffs, the players believed they would still prevail.
Maddon’s persuasion ability is tough to replicate. Archer would like to see more money spent by the club, and that may be the signal the players need. The Rays may also want to send Dave Cash for some lessons in persuasion. The AL East remains an evenly matched division, so small but effective moves might put a team over the top until the Yankees start spending again.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2eJCToA
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