American League champions merchandise

Official Rays American League championship merchandise goes on sale at 9 a.m. today at the team store at Tropicana Field and at the Rays' Tampa store, 400 N Tampa St.

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Action from ALCS Game 7, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Rays celebrate after beating Boston 3-1. [Brian Cassella, Times]

Scenes from ALCS Game 7, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Audi Kowalski of Palm Harbor celebrates the Tampa Bay Rays ALCS victory outside Tropicana Field. [Chris Zuppa, Times]

Action from ALCS Game 6, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

The Rays bench and fans react to the final out of the 4-2 loss. [Brian Cassella, Times]

Scenes from ALCS Game 6, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Tim Mills of Sarasota waits for the crowd to disperse after the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on Saturday, 10/18/2008. "Depressing," Mills said of the game. [Chris Zuppa, Times]

What they're saying

What the Boston papers are saying about the Rays' 8-7 loss to the Red Sox in Game 5:

Bob Ryan, Boston Globe

''The Red Sox are the defending champions. They always come to play nine innings, and if it takes the greatest postseason comeback in 79 years to stay alive, then they will give you the greatest postgame comeback in 79 years.

''Got that, Rays?''

Read more.


Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe

''The catatonic Rays have to be doubting themselves after watching their World Series tickets dissolve in Fenway's midnight madness. If you are a Rays fans, you have to worry. The young bucks choked the way few have choked before. They were inches from a clean getaway, a Fenway sweep that would have embarrassed the defending world champs and elevated the Tampa team to elite status. And they coughed it all up in three ridiculous innings.''

Read more.

Scenes from ALCS Game 5, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Shea Smith of Palm Harbor shows disappointment after the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Boston Red Sox while watching the game at the Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill on Friday after midning, 10/12/2008.  [Chris Zuppa, Times]

Action from ALCS Game 5, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

J.P. Howell wipes his brow before giving up the winning run to J.D. Drew in the 9th. [James Borchuck, Times]

For Tampa Bay Rays Fan Hosts, an exhilarating experience

Winning helps when your job is making sure that fans have a pleasant experience. "It's a Rays Nation now," says one fan host.   View an audio slideshow of Fan Hosts at Tropicana Field

Action from ALCS Game 4, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Fernando Perez and Carl Crawford high five teammates after the Rays 13-4 win over the Red Sox at Fenway. [James Borchuck, Times]