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wryipsfhkzcbm said 08/05, 07:37 PM
Ill go with the minority and say they will. Even though they dont have the grinding-down-the-stretch experience as New York or Boston has, there are a combination of factors that will help them keep their successful stride as they head into the final months before the postseason.

1. Stengths - They have had an excellent pitching staff all season long. A pitching rotation that includes Scott Kazmir, Scot Shields, and Matt Garza, and a bullpen that has consistently closed out games have combined for the 4th best ERA, the best batting average against, and the 2nd most shutouts in the Major Leagues. They have the most stolen bases in the Majors, and it has also helped their defense commit the 4th fewest errors in the American League.

2. Durability - The youth of the Rays players certainly helps keep them strong and less injury prone than the older veterans of teams like Boston and New York. Sure, every team will have some injuries, but since June 27th, their only position player to be injured is Jason Bartlett.

3. Schedule - 25 of their last 33 games of the season are against their own division, and they own an A.L. East best 28-19 record against them.

The TB Rays will win.

wryipsfhkzcbm said 08/05, 10:05 PM
Youre right, this is a team that is on the verge of passing their highest win total in 2004 with 2 months remaining. However, they have several veteran players, such as Cliff Floyd, Eric Hinske, Dan Wheeler, and Trever Miller, that have played on playoff contending teams that can help the younger players cope with the stress and challenges they face the next 7-8 weeks. Troy Percival may not be the player he once was, but his leadership and presence will not hurt this team.

Their hitting is not the strongest in the league, but what little they have offensively they make up with sound defense, excellent baserunning, and stellar pitching. They wont win games by 5 runs or more, but a win is a win is a win, and they sure know that with the most wins in the A.L. East.

Now, they havent been terrible on the road. They have a 23-28 road record, which is certainly a better record than Bostons 24-33 record away. The Yankees arent much better, with an even .500 record away from Yankee Stadium. Even worse for the Yankees is the fact that they have the most upcoming road games in all of MLB, and most of the teams they verse are over .500.

And with Boston losing Manny, the Rays will win.

wryipsfhkzcbm said 08/06, 12:37 PM
The Tampa Bay Rays have played 112 games without a player in the likes of David Ortiz or Alex Rodriguez, yet they are still 3 games in front of Boston, and 6 1/2 games in front of New York. It clearly illustrates that you dont need an overwhelming offense when the other aspects of your team are balanced and successfully getting the job done.

Veterans are always significant to a teams development and structure. They don't need to hit 40 home runs or have a .330 average to make a difference. Theyve taught the younger players how to play the game right and to always work hard, and the results speak for themselves.

The Yanks and Red Sox have always held their own when it comes to important spots, but they have never been in this situation before, and with suprisingly more parity present this season, they will have a much more difficult time than in previous years to win.

How is their Sept. schedule a torture device if they have the best record against their own division? They have a better home record than both the Yanks and Red Sox, and a better road record than the Red Sox. Plus, they are 3-0 against the Tigers this season.

1st in SB
2nd in WHIP
3rd in ERA

Thank you.