It is one week before the All-Star Game and the leader in the American League East is 20 games over .500, three games ahead of the second place team in the division, and has won 11 of the last 14 games. And surprise, this team is not the Red Sox, or the Yankees for that matter. That's right, the leader of the AL East is not a powerhouse with a huge payroll from the Northeast, but a young, upstart team from the Sunshine State.
The Tampa Bay Rays are the best team in baseball and it is no fluke. Not only is the team first in the best division in baseball, but have also proved that they can sustain their lead over an extended period of time. In less than a year, the Rays have gone from being the worst team in baseball to one of the most competitive, with an excellent chance of making the playoffs.
But for the Rays, going from worst to first is no coincidence. Instead, it has been a collaboration of planning, patience, and building from within. With great talent scouting, good draft picks, and shrewd trades, Andrew Friedman, the GM for the Rays, has built a team that can win, now and in the future.
One of the cornerstones of the Rays success this season has been their pitching. Scott Kazmir, James Shields, and Andy Sonnanstine have been lights-out and have anchored the rotation. This, along with the acquisition of Matt Garza, who is having the best season of his career, and the emergence of Edwin Jackson as a formidable fifth starter, has given the Rays one of the better rotations in the major leagues. The Rays boast a team ERA of 3.59, a 1.25 WHIP, and average just under seven strikeouts per nine innings.
The bullpen has also been quite effective for the Rays and is led by Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival. These two key offseason additions have not only added a veteran presence in the bullpen, but have also given the Rays stability and consistency in the late innings. Percival has converted 19 of 21 save opportunities and Wheeler has 20 holds in 40 innings pitched. In addition, the Rays have David Price, last year's number one overall pick, waiting in the wings. While Price has been untouchable at every level he has played, barring an injury, don't expect him up in the big leagues before September. But do keep him in mind, as he could be an important piece in the Rays' run for the playoffs.
If defense wins championships, then the Rays have little to fear. The Rays are one of the top defending teams in the majors, having the best fielding percentage, .976, and fewest errors, 47, in the American League. Evan Longoria and Jason Bartlett seem to catch everything that comes their way. While in the outfield, the speedsters Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton make even the most difficult catches seem routine. The Rays' stingy defense will be a major asset down the stretch and especially during the playoffs.
Finally, the Rays have a talented core of young players that only seem to be getting better. With great draft picks and trades, Tampa Bay has built a winning team. While many prognosticators predict that the Rays' inexperience will be their downfall, this has yet to be the case. In fact, Tampa Bay has thrived under pressure, evident in their success against winning teams. This year the Rays have swept the Angels, Cubs, Marlins, and Red Sox twice. And they have done all this while continuing to lead the best division in baseball. Not too shabby for a team predicted to lose over 90 games in most preseason polls.
One of the beauties of the baseball season is its length, allowing the best teams to rise to the top. And with over 70 games left, the Rays will have to play exceptional baseball to keep their lead in the Eastern division, as two very talented teams will be nipping at their heels. Whether or not the Rays make the playoffs, they have established that they have the talent and the drive necessary to win. While this never guarantees championships, it's a good place to start.
Leave a Comment