Is it really so surprising? (The Devil Rays are back!). | Akuze's Blog

While many commentators (including those writing for SI.com) are convinced Tampa Bay is the real deal, and will last through September, this recent turn of events is the perfect example of how the Rays' season has been affected by a great deal of luck. That streak of luck is about to run out.

Despite having a mediocre offense (ranked 17th in the major leagues in runs scored), the Rays have survived through their young pitchers far exceeding expectations. The combined winning percentage of those five starters prior to the start of the season? A little over 47%. And with three of those five pitchers eclipsing their career high in innings pitched, the Rays are only going to get weaker, not stronger. Sonnanstine has already surpassed his career high in innings by nearly 40, and Scott Kazmir, the young ace, has struggled to pitch deep into games after throwing 206.2 innings last year.

The Rays' bullpen, often a source of woe, has had career years from several previously forgettable relievers (Howell, Hammel, Wheeler), as well as an exceptional season from Grant Balfour. The closer, Troy Percival, has looked shaky of late;

As for being lucky, just consider this: the Rays are 26-16 in one run games. That's better than any other AL club still in the playoff race. Maybe that's just a meaningless statistic, but there have been a lot of games that could've gone the other way.

As September heats up, Rays fans should feel confident about their team locking up a playoff spot. When it comes to matching up against rested Josh Beckett in the playoffs, however, I'm sure they'll find less to look forward to.

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September 10, 2008 02:14 AM ET

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How can you possibly say that! The entire MLB season is set up to go against any one team to make it to the playoffs on luck. There is no possible way to rely on that for 162 games. I have been a fan since our inaugural season and I have seen many changes to our team. Some good, some bad, and some you just have to wait and see what happens. This team is in arguably the hardest division in the league, has never had over a .500 season, and generally comes in last place IN THE ENTIRE MLB! So when you say our "streak of luck is about to run out.", take a look at the raw talent we have been acquiring for the past 10 years in our top picks in the draft. Notice slogans like "9=8" and "WE ARE ONE TEAM" to keep these young players motivated and ready to play. I'll admit, we have had some luck on our side going through this season. But hey, what underdog hasn't?
-J

jpjj225

Pensacola , FL

Total Comments (3)

September 10, 2008 02:16 AM ET

How could you possibly you say that! The entire MLB season is set up to stop a team from doing just that. It is impossible to play 162 games and make it to the playoffs relying on luck. I have been a fan since our inaugural season and I have seen a lot of changes to our team. Some good, some bad, and some you just have to wait and find out. So when you say our "streak of luck is about to run out.", take a look at the raw talent we have been acquiring over the past 10 years in our top draft picks. Notice slogans like "9=8" and "WE ARE ONE TEAM" that keep our young players motivated and ready to play. I'll admit, we have had some luck on our side this season. But hey, what underdog hasn't?
-J