The introductions atmosphere

We're about 20 minutes away from the first pitch of the ALCS. Raymond, the bizarre-looking Rays mascot, was dancing to a Rays-inspired hip-hop song called "It's Our Season" in centerfield. Then he drove his ATV around the warning track. Toto, we're not at Fenway Park anymore.

A few Red Sox were stretching in shallow left field. The cowbells have already started splitting ears. When the teams lined up on the first and third baselines for introductions, the Rays received a tremendous, cowbell-assisted cheer from the crowd. Boos for Red Sox players during warm-ups almost completely overwhelmed any cheers. A machine spit fire into the air when each Rays starter was announced. The fan ratio seems to favors the Rays more prominently than I would have figured, and the stands are already packed.

At 8 p.m., the Rays showed a video tribute to the Rays season. It featured several broadcasters -- from Peter Gammons to Keith Olbermann -- praising the Rays spliced between highlights from the season and some old shots of the Miracle Mets. The video received some loud cheers and, of course, cowbell clanging. The buzz here is different than it was in Anaheim, but there is definitely a buzz.