Andrew Astleford · @aastleford
2nd Jul 2015 from TwitLonger
Some Tampa Bay thoughts...
This was written for an appearance Thursday on Bright House Sports Network. Wanted to share here as well. Thanks again, all. ~Andrew
---
Right now, I'm in professional limbo, so the free hours have given me time to reflect upon my two-plus years in Tampa Bay.
Finally, I have a chance to gain my balance after the ground shifted beneath us all.
When I arrived from St. Louis in January 2013, with sunscreen and thick shades in tow, Greg Schiano led the Bucs and Josh Freeman carried franchise-quarterback potential. Guy Boucher coached the Lightning and Marty St. Louis remained a beloved figure. Joe Maddon lived as the Pied Piper of Tropicana Field and Wil Myers had just been added to the Rays' system, a tantalizing future involving the young player's bat seemingly close.
My, how life changed.
I'd like to say the Bucs, with Lovie Smith and Jameis Winston, are better off now than when I met them. But I can't. There are too many unknowns going into this crucial fall after the stench of 2-14.
I'd like to say the Rays, a model of consistency within the American League East for so long, could continue to evolve with faces such as Maddon, David Price and Ben Zobrist helping the franchise to frustrate richer division rivals. But I can't. Sadly, they know reinvention all too well.
I'd like to say the Lightning, so young and so good, will make more deep playoff runs and kiss that glorious Cup one day. But I can't. Only time will show if these electric Bolts will become true beasts of the East.
My ride with all three teams was fun and life changing. No matter my future, I will continue to follow. No matter my next destination, if I must leave, Tampa Bay will stay close. I have too many great memories here to forget.
To all I met along the way, thank you for making this area home.