Evan Longoria and Rays 'embarrassed' in lack of fan support

Thank you for your (lack) of support.

On a night the Tampa Bay Rays had a chance to clinch a playoff spot, only 12,446 fans - the fourth smallest crowd of the season - showed up at Tropicana Field to support the team. The players took notice.

All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria said the players are "confused."

Longoria, who did not play in the Rays' 4-0 loss to Baltimore, spoke at length about the team's chronically low attendance, calling it "disheartening" and "embarrassing."

"We've been playing great baseball all year. Since I've been here in [2006], the fans have wanted a good baseball team. They've wanted to watch a contender," Longoria told reporters.

 "And for us to play good baseball for three years now, and for us to be in a spot to clinch again and go to the playoffs, we're all confused as to why it's only 15,000 to 20,000 in the building."


David Price vented his frustration about Monday's attendance through his Twitter account:
"Had a chance to clinch a post season spot tonight with about 10,000 fans in the stands ... embarrassing," he wrote, then later posted, "If I offended anyone I apologize I did not think it was gonna turn into this ..."

The fans have chance to respond to the players wishes Tuesday night. The Rays have another chance to clinch a berth as they host the Baltimore Orioles.