There's a lot to like about the new-look Rays this year

The Rays have jumped out to a 3-2 start, including two wins at Yankee Stadium. Nick Laham/AFP/Getty Images

I have a confession to make. I like the new Rays.

I realize I am jumping onto the bandwagon just as they are July-in-Florida hot. (Yes, 3-2 is burning up for them, especially when two of the wins came at Yankee Stadium). But there is finally a lot to like about these Rays, even beyond the removal of the "Devil'' from their name and their clubhouse. (Elijah "Put Up Your" Dukes will always disappoint, I believe.)

"This is by far the best team we've ever had,'' general manager Andrew Friedman says.

That sounds like quite a proclamation until you realize the Rays have never won more than 70 games in a season in their 10 years of existence (and only once won 70). Even they will admit that bar has been set somewhat lower than the area's lovely Sunshine Skyway.

The talent is better, yet folks around the team say the real change is in the attitude.

"The biggest difference is the clubhouse belief that they can win,'' Friedman says.

One decision has created early controversy, though, and caused some scouts to suggest the Rays have cost themselves a chance to be better sooner (more on that later).

In the meantime, here are some things to like about these Rays ...

• The bad actors are gone, replaced by some fun guys. Dukes, who had almost as many altercations as home runs, had to go. He was more trouble than he was worth. And Delmon Young's absence is a breath of fresh air, as well. He carried himself like a three-time MVP when he couldn't even beat a weak field to win the Rookie of the Year award.

• They added some pleasant veterans, led by Cliff Floyd, one of the best clubhouse influences in the game, not to mention one of the most candid spokesmen (Floyd mentioned the other day that he's likely to make this his last season. Of course, he's changed his mind about such things before). Troy Percival, the new closer, is a guy who can keep things light.

• Manager Joe Maddon probably doesn't rival his celebrated predecessor, Lou Piniella, in the strategy department, but he may be a better fit in a job that requires patience.

• Ace pitcher Scott Kazmir, 5-foot-10 inches of pure talent, threw 56 pitches Saturday, and he's expected back in two to four weeks.

• Lefthander David Price, the No. 1 overall draft choice, is out with an elbow injury for the moment but appears to be very close to the big leagues.

• Edwin Jackson, who hit 96 mph Saturday in a 6-3 win over the Yankees, is threatening to become one of the more improved pitchers in the game.

• Their bullpen isn't quite the wasteland it's been in the past.

• B.J. Upton looks like he's found a home in center. He made a diving catch on Derek Jeter Sunday and also easily gunned down a shocked Wilson Betemit trying to go from first to third on a hit with none out.

• Carlos Pena staged easily one of the most remarkable career turnarounds by transforming from a journeyman who'd failed with almost half the American League to the second most productive slugger in the AL last year, behind Alex Rodriguez. "I'm in the right place with the Rays,'' Pena said the other day. "I am surrounded by unbelievable people, people who have a positive outlook on life.'' Pena credited Maddon for that positive outlook but acknowledged that he has to realize part of the difference is related to his own maturity.

The Rays would like to duplicate the individual turnaround feat of Pena on a team level. The improved pitching and increased emphasis on character appears to have them moving in the right direction after a decade of mismanagement at the top of the baseball hierarchy. It's about time.

1 of 2