It's being reported that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are looking to make some wholesale changes. They will be making drastic changes to the stadium as well as a possible new nickname. Among the nicknames being considered is the Tarpons. No word on if one of the changes being considered is winning.

[ January 20, 2006, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: KingChildress ]

What the hell is a tarpin?

Not "tarpin", but rather "Tarpon" which is a large game fish known for its endurance and ferocious fight. They are about 5 to 7+ feet long and have very bright silver scales that give it a mirrorlike look. I can already hear the jokes about the Tampa Bay Tampons. Those of us who live in Tampa are already called Tampans which inevitably gets tweeked to Tampons.

I think that the name is the least of the problems with the Devil Rays. I personally like the name Devil Rays, even though it is a misnomer cross between "devil fish" (a Ray) and "ray" which is redundant. A couple of years back the club decided to drop the word Devil from the name making them the Tampa Bay Rays. It is the official name of the team and is what you see on their uniforms but the name change never caught on with the fans or media where they are still routinely called the Devil Rays. Aside from the "Tampon" issue, I think the name Tarpons is too close to Marlins, being that we're in the same state.

I have to admit that the Buccaneers' turn around seemed to coincide with the dumping of Bucco Bruce and the Orange and Red but I'm pretty sure that that was mainly a coincidence that didn't take into consideration our new coach at the time Tony Dungy who was brought to Tampa the year before the image change. The Devil Rays have no such luxury and are in utter turmoil from the Owners to the manager to the coaches to the field. They could name them the Jesus's but I don't think it would raise them from the dead.

I had such high hopes that Lou Piniella was going to be our saviour but the problems with this club go above the manager's office. No money, no honey!

[ January 19, 2006, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: UMRebel/Bucfan ]

Well, the Marlins won't be in the state much longer....I actually like the Rays current name...

Why would they change their name from one sea creature (the Devil Ray) to another (the tarpon?) Do they think the alliterative Tampa Tarpon is more euphonious? And more to the point, do they actually think people will buy more Tarpon-emblazoned items than they do Devil Ray merchandise?

~Adam

The Tarpons name is an old one -- Tampa had a Florida State League team for a long, long time called the Tampa Tarpons -- so there's a historical connection there.

horrible name. too close to tampon.

Yeah...changing the name, signing Ty Wiggington, and trading away Baez aren't continuing the great buzz the team was getting after Evil Vince was pushed out the door.

I hope they can fix up Tropicana Field beyond the luxury boxes. The place is so gloomy, but it has a lot of potential for a domed stadium.

Also...bring back Hooters! There was nothing like getting to a game early enough for BP and having Hooters wings.

Well, at least it looks like hottie boy Rocco Baldelli will be back this season. One of the great reasons to watch the Devil Rays!

here's a treat for ya bill

You mean there's more than one?

Yes, there's also stud Jonny Gomes... so two reasons to watch!

In all seriousness though, I agree with the sentiment about the name change. I don't want to have to buy a whole lot of new stuff... plus, I just really don't like the name. That being said, I really appreciate what the new ownership is trying to do. Look, the Rays aren't going to turn around amazingly overnight. However, everything I've heard from the new coach and everyone else makes me excited. I just can't wait for spring training to get underway. There's one thing you can't deny - these guys play hard night in and night out, and I'm looking forward to watching it again.

Hey, how about Manta Rays for a nickname? It seems obvious to me. It rhymes with Tampa Bay. Say it: Tampa Bay Manta Rays! See how it just rolls off the tongue? That way, the team could keep the Rays part and have a more mellifluous name, not to mention that since "Man" would be in their name, the management could say that now it's time for every player to play like one.

Thanks for the pic, Chill-Trick!

I can't reemmber who said it, but their idea was to relocate to Charlotte and get rid of the Devil leaving them as

the Charlotte Rays

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have... wink They're actually considering dropping the "Devil" from their name.

It could have been worse. How 'bout "the Octopus"? Then fans can cheer, "Go pussies!"

They really should consider the Tampa Bay City Rollers. wink
~Adam

[ January 29, 2006, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Adam ]

How about the Tampa Bay Holy Mackerels