Give the schedule-makers some credit.
Who would have thought a Tampa Bay-Boston series at the end of June going into July would have major impact for both clubs?
The Rays enter the three game series on Monday in first place in the American League East, a half-game ahead of the Red Sox.
In fact, Tampa Bay is the best team in baseball, owning a 49-32 mark after completing its first 81 games of the season, which is the equivalent of the first half.
Yes, Boston has 50 wins already (due to having played more games), but Tampa Bay is ahead of the Sox and owns baseball's best winning percentage.
On Saturday night, the Rays were behind Boston in the standings, and had a shot to move past the Red Sox.
Boston had lost 11-10 in Houston after blowing 4-0 and 9-6 leads, and the Rays and Pirates were heading to extra innings after Tampa Bay rallied in the eighth.
- B/R Ticket Guide
With a chance to move into first place, the Rays instead fell victim to Jason Bay's walk-off homer in the 13th, giving Pittsburgh the victory.
A loss like that might have been demoralizing, especially for a young team that has never won more than 70 games a season, but the Rays regrouped Sunday—while the veteran Red Sox could not.
Even ace Josh Beckett couldn't save Boston, which gave up the winning run in the eighth inning for the second straight game.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Rays received contributions from battery mates, both of whom struggled last season (along with the rest of the team).
Andy Sonnanstine gave the Rays seven strong innings on Sunday to pick up his ninth win (against three losses), and backup catcher Shawn Riggans swatted a home run and had three hits including a clutch RBI-single in the eighth, as Tampa Bay beat Pittsburgh 4-3.
Sonnanstine is an incredible 6-0 after a Tampa Bay loss.
Monday, the Red Sox and Rays will begin their series at Tropicana Field.
The Red Sox have won six straight against the Rays, all at Fenway Park.
Of course, the Rays swept the Sox in St. Petersburg in April, so home field has been critical in every game between the two rivals so far.
Regardless, this will be a good test for Tampa Bay as the second half begins for the surprising AL East leaders.
Can the Rays hang on?
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6 months ago
The Rays should easily hang on to win the Wild Card at least. Their team has all the pieces in place to sustain success: Great Pitching, Good Defense, Solid Hitting, and a pretty good bullpen. I don't think they'll do much in the playoffs, but the Rays are definately for real.
I can't believe they considered keeping Evan Longoria in AAA! That kid is a stud.
6 months ago
I sure wish I would get some respect for picking the Rays to win the division this year...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/14866-division-by-division-preview-al-east
6 months ago
As a Sox fan I have to say that I'm a lot more scared of the Rays then I am of the Yankees in the division... like you said they have great pitching and defense and while I think the Sox will eventually win the division the Rays are going to be the Wild Card... there too good
6 months ago
Anyone who follows baseball prospects should and did know that this was the Rays year. All the pieces have fallen into place. They have two ace pitchers in Kazmir and Shields. They have the rookie of the year in Evan Longoria. and They have a battery of solid hitters and veterans.
Also I would like to point out that I wrote an article about baseball prospects (which you should check out lol) and I made the point that down the stretch, you will most likely have an appearance of David Price.
If you don't know who this kid is, he is a nasty left hander, who could provide a boost similar to what Joba Chamberlain did last year for the Yankees.
I don't think the Rays can hang around in the Playoffs because of their lack of experience, but they should be a strong contender in the East for at least the next half a dozen seasons.
Good article, check out what I've written about Tampa.
6 months ago
They have definitely been a big surprise this year. However, they've been loaded with talent for a little while now. Kazmir has been a strikeout machine for years now and Shields had been growing as a starter. Longoria has quickly established himself as force at the hot corner, and he greatly reminds me of a young Scott Rolen.
This team is going to be very fun to watch this year.
6 months ago
I also think it's going to be close between the three teams, but if Tampa wants to do well in the playoffs they need to go out and get a strong bat for their lineup. Their lineup is pretty good but theres a lot of inexperienced hitters on the club. If they could go out and get a hitter like Mark Teixiera in their lineup I would definitely have them as a world series contender.
from 6 months ago
How many playoff games does Tex have under his belt?
While the lineup does not have one TRUE game changing bat, they do have enough to survive a 7 game series. Adding a starting pitcher might be wise, and possibly a shut down reliever, say Heath Bell (if he is available).
6 months ago
You know the Rays are good when I can't pry their third-best pitcher from somebody in my fantasy league. If you would have said that two years ago I would have laughed.
from 6 months ago
When the guy missed a no-no by one hit on an outstanding low and away pitch, good luck trading for him now.
from 6 months ago
Yeah, I am very familiar with Garza as he was with Minnesota last year. I should have tried to trade for him earlier.
6 months ago
The Rays do not need another starting pitcher or another relief pitcher they are stacked in both of those categories of course getting another pitcher would help the club but hitting is definitely a must right now.
6 months ago
its going to come down to experience. None of these players have played a meaningful game in August, let alone September. They need all the help they can get in this division. See my latest entry on the topic.
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