Rays must put up or shut up, as well

OK, Stu, what do you have for us?

You want a new ballpark -- what a surprise.

You want to look high and low -- what a surprise.

You want this area to ante up -- what a surprise.

So, what have you got?

The Rays keep slipping and sliding.

After all the bells and whistles of that audacious 32-12 start, they have been mediocre, or less, for going on a month.

What will the Rays do about it?

Look, part of this deal, at least to me, is keeping up your end of this bargain. It's all there for the Rays - season-long contention in the American League East, a playoff spot, maybe even another trip to the World Series. There's an open window, but it could quickly crash down. So It can't be about contemplation, debate, positioning and tradeoffs - like the stadium debate.

It must be about action.

If the AL East standings remain tight, in about a month, the Yankees will make their move. So will the Red Sox.

How about the Rays?

They can't be spectators, not now, not this summer.

Here are the suggestions:

PITCHING: One month ago, we were waxing poetic about Tampa Bay's five-man rotation, the best in baseball. And that was true - one month ago. Here's a startling statistic: In the first 44 games, Rays starters had a 2.72 ERA. In the next 25 games, the ERA is 5.72.

If the downward trend continues for Wade Davis - given the need to not rush Jeremy Hellickson up from Triple-A or remove Andy Sonnanstine from the Swiss Army Knife role in the bullpen - the Rays need another arm. Go get one.

OFFENSE: The Rays also need another bat (or two). When the Rays are going good, it's hard to find another lineup in baseball that looks more formidable. But when they are going bad, they go through long stretches of producing practically nothing. The consistent elements of the lineup can't be adequately protected and the whole operation turns punchless. How long can you wait on B.J. Upton to turn it around? Where is the reliable DH?

Look, when the Yankees and Red Sox make their moves, the Rays must stay in step.

Your return on investment, Stu?

How about another World Series run? The Tampa Bay area was Rays-mad in 2008. If you're looking to galvanize sentiment for a new stadium, if you're looking to capitalize on the moment, here's your biggest opportunity.

Give the fans a reason to believe.

People already wonder if this area can afford a new baseball stadium.

Just as you might wonder if the team's payroll can stretch even more.

The stakes are high. There's the opportunity for another postseason appearance. Then there's the very future of baseball in the region. So there should be only one thought.

You can't afford not to go for it.