The Rays didn’t seem to know quite what to make of Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner’s comments over the last 24 hours that he wished his team played more like Tampa Bay.

Steinbrenner made those assertions to the New York Post last night and reiterated most of them to the Associated Press today.

Among his gems: “No question, the Rays are a hungry team. That’s what our team has to get back.”

Apprised of his comments this afternoon, even the most outspoken Rays seemed at a loss for words

“That’s nothing but a compliment,” said Jonny Gomes, who later added: “I just think it’s a pat on our back from the Boss.”

Said Carl Crawford: “We’ll take the compliment and keep playing hard. As far as having a comment on what he said, I don’t have no comment on that.”

Even Joe Maddon wouldn’t touch this one:

“I heard about that,” he said with a sly smile. “That’s very complimentary and I appreciate the good words.”

Told that Steinbrenner had also said “I’m happy for them, but I wish they were in the National League,” Maddon asked if he had really said that, smiled again, and sighed.

“Listen, it’s May 14th. Long ways to go. Just win tonight’s game, that’s all we’re trying to do.”

Crawford, at least, decided to step up to the plate momentarily when told that Steinbrenner wished the Rays were in the NL.

“Yeah?” said Crawford. “Man, for the last six years I’ve been wishing they were in another league.”