Rays flash in the pan?

Are the Rays the next Florida Marlins, a good young team that wins a World Series but can't afford to keep its players?

For every projection of a Rays dynasty, the specter of the Marlins lurks. The Marlins, reminiscent of the old Montreal Expos, represent everything the Rays should fear: talent-rich, economically challenged, the team that develops winning ballplayers but is unable to keep them. Despite having won as many championships as the Red Sox over the past 12 years, the Marlins do not have any more solid a hold on their future. They are struggling with local politicians for a new ballpark and are flirting with that exotic baseball location -- San Antonio -- if negotiations crumble. A massive, publicly financed stadium during a national financial collapse is not an endeavor voters are likely to view enthusiastically.

It's not out of the realm of possibility, but the Rays were smart to lock up Evan Longoria this year. They have at least one piece to build around if, that is, they can afford to pay Longoria, too.