TAMPA, Fla. - Let's be honest, there is no logical rationale to write this column.

We're talking about two different players, two different eras, two different situations. Really, the only reason to compare Junior Caminero with Evan Longoria is the position they share and the familiar logo on their jerseys.

Also, this:

The abundant hope they brought to Tampa Bay.

The Rays have had All-Stars and fan favorites over the years, but Longoria is the closest thing we've seen to a genuine icon in a Tampa Bay dugout. He played more games, hit more home runs and quickened more pulses than any player before or since.

And now, 17 years after Longoria's arrival, Caminero has a chance to match - or even exceed - the things Longo did in Tampa Bay. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but the past few m

See Full Page