Tampa Keep the Pressure on in the A.L. East

Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers take on will take on Matt Garza and the Tampa Bay Rays in a battle between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Rays started the season red-hot and looked as though they were going to run away with the American League East division. This is not an easy task as they go head to head with two of the best teams in baseball on a consistent basis. The Yankees and Red Sox have dominated this division for several years, but Tampa has put a tremendous amount of pressure on them over the last few years.

Tampa’s philosophy has been to bring players up through the farm system and compete without getting involved with trades and acquisitions. They have done that so well that they currently have the second best record in all of baseball. Tampa Bay is currently 69-44, and is trailing the perennial powerhouse New York Yankees by just a half of game for the division lead and the best record in baseball. They have brought several solid bats through the farm system, but it has been their pitching that has kept them in contention for the majority of this season.

David Price has been perhaps the best starter in the Majors this season as he has gone 15-5 with a 2.84 earned run average through 22 starts. He has at least 8 or 9 more starts to get o the 20 win plateau, and will more than likely get there with the tremendous amount of run support he receives from the Rays offense. Many MLB experts under-estimated the Tampa Bay bullpen this year. They have exceeded expectations to this point, and are the main reason why the Rays are contending for the A.L. East title. Rafael Soriano already has 32 saves and is well on his way to his best season ever as a reliever. His minuscule ERA of 1.81 is why the Rays are just about unbeatable after the 8th inning. Along with Soriano, the middle relief has been outstanding. Joaquin Benoit has held 17 games through 41+ innings, and has made it beyond difficult for teams to make late rallies.

Offensively, the Rays have been as good as any team in baseball. They are ranked third in baseball in runs scored, and have done it by manufacturing runs rather than the long ball. Evan Longoria leads the way offensively as he has 124 hits, 209 total bases, 34 doubles and an OPS of .860. He will need to continue his offensive production if the Rays are to stay close to the loaded Yankees for the A.L. East lead.

Check out Tampa Bay as they take on the Detroit Tigers and their best pitcher Justin Verlander Wednesday night in an important series that can be a determining factor as to whether or not the Rays make the playoffs this season.

Related posts:

1. Tampa Bay will need to make some moves to hang in the A.L. East
2. Tampa Bay Looks to close the gap in the A.L. East
3. Tampa Bay Rays are Slipping in the American League East
4. Sabathia seeks 20th Win against Tampa Wednesday
5. Rays and Yankees in A.L. East Showdown

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