FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Now this might seem like a homer pick considering a recent TD I had in which I picked them to win the division, but its not.  I just really like their chances this year, and I'm sure a lot of people agree.  Only being half a game ahead of the Sox, and its May.  Yes, still early.  But by now, they would have normally packed it in and be golfing already.  Instead, I provide 5 reasons why Tropicana Field may no longer be "The Home of the Bottom of the Ninth."

1)      Pitching

The pitching of the Rays has been absolutely phenomenal.  They recently swept the Angels, winning 2 of those games by a 2-0 tally, and one of those was a 1-hitter.  They have taken the first 2 from the Yanks, allowing one run in each of those 2 contests. 

James Shields is 4-2 with a 3.14 ERA, and he was the one that pitched the 1-hitter against the Angels.  Howell is 3-0 with a 2.67 ERA, Garza has been pitching brilliantly, with a 3.86 ERA, and Sonnanstine is 5-1 for the Rays.  Kazmir has been tearing it up with an ERA under 3.00

The pitching is strong and will be strong all year.  They have an excellent closer in Troy Percival, the former Angels closer that also helped win the 2002 World Series for the surprise Anaheim Angels.  Now IM not saying the Rays will win the World Series, but you never know.

2)      Hitting

The hitting is also red-hot for the Rays.  13 players have an OBP greater than .300. Dioner Navarro has a BA of .375, Pena has 8 big flys, and Hinske has 7.  They aren't much of a home run hitting team, but they have excellent hitting all-around.  They have scored 180 runs, good for 16^th in the majors, which is better than they had been doing.  Their previous high for runs scored was 22^nd.

3)      Talent

The Rays have some of the most talented players in baseball.  With speedy guys like B.J. Upton and Carl Crawford, swiping bags is easy for the Rays.  Iwamura is a solid hitting and solid fielding second baseman.  Longoria is a talented third baseman.  Even his moniker makes him awesome.  The Rays boast a 15-7 home record, are 23-16 overall, winners of 6 straight, and have the best record in the American League, and the second best record in the majors, one game behind 24-15 Arizona.  That shows the depth and talent of this team.

4)      Health

The Rays have been able to stay healthy.  Over the past 3 years, they have had to deal with so many injuries out of their bullpen, pitching staff, and hitters.  This year they have managed to stay healthy.  Winning teams tend to do that. 

5)      Rookies

Evan Longoria has been absolutely dazzling for the Rays.  His play at third base, and his whole attitude have helped lift the Rays from pretender to contender.  Even though he is hitting a meager .222, he has room for improvement, and has an inside shot at winning AL Rookie of the Year.

Some more facts about the Rays:

• They are 17-11 in their division, the ONLY team with a winning record within the division for the AL East.

• They are half a game in first over the defending champion Red Sox

• They boast a 10-7 record against last year's playoff teams, including sweeps of the Red Sox and Angels.

• They have consistently shown to play better as the year wears on, despite what the record is.  This bodes well, because now they can build on an extremely good start.

• They have 10+ wins over the Yankees each year for the past 3 seasons, which is needed in that division

Get out to the stadium, smell the grass, hear the crack of the bats, and realize that the Rays are no longer the laughingstock of the American League.  Tropicana Field is no longer "The Home of the Bottom of the Ninth."  The Rays are finally starting to win.  There is no stopping them. 

Hail to your AL East champs!