Where are the Devil Rays?

I was perusing the MLB standings this evening, trying to get an idea of what to write about - I mean, Roger Clemens can't take down a 14-year old while loaded up on roids every day - and noticed that some team called the Rays were in first place. In the AL East. I'm sorry, since when did MLB give someone other than the Yankees or Red Sox permission to be in first place?

I did a little research, and apparently its not a birth right for the Yanks and Sox to win the division. In fact, other teams have won this division before - the Blue Jays and the Orioles both have division titles in their trophy case.

Of course, those are real franchises with World Series' trophies and everything. These Rays have seen nothing but the cellar of the AL East for the duration of their existence. I guess that goes to show you what you can do when you take the Devil out of your life.

And yes, I realize I'm about 3 months late on this, but nevertheless, what the Rays are doing deserves to be recognized every day. They built their team through the minor league system - I saw many of their players play for the Durham Bulls - and have done it with a pint-sized payroll. It's truly a testament to quality front office management. Frankly, anyone can win with a bottomless pit of money to spend. When you're biggest concern is how a potential free agent will deal with being in a big city, you don't really have any problems - yeah, I'm looking at you Theo Epstein.

But, the Rays are currently 5 games ahead of the Red Sox, 11 (11!!) games ahead of the Yankees and owners of the best record in baseball. It's remarkable, and even more so because no one saw this coming. It's like the Indians from Major League have come to life. Cliff Floyd can be Pedro Cerrano.

What's even more impressive is that they've battled injuries to stars and stayed atop the standings. Right now, Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford (both D-Bulls alumni) are on the DL. Rocco Baldelli (another former Bull) has battled injuries for his whole career and just recently returned to the active roster, only playing 5 games.

So, the real question now, shockingly, becomes, can the Rays make a run in the playoffs? Considering over half of the 25-man active roster right now is younger than I am, one would be lead to believe they lack postseason experience. Or high school degrees. But, the one thing about this team is that they've defied all expectations all season. So, why not for a couple more months. I'll tell you this much - I'd put more money on the Rays winning the World Series than the Cubs.

The problem for the Rays might be getting out of its own league, as they'll probably have to face the Angels and Red Sox, the two teams most people picked to win the AL, in order to even get to the World Series.

Now, I don't want to rule out a Mets-ish collapse here late in the season. But, I'd find it hard to believe that the Rays will miss the playoffs altogether. I mean, they aren't the Yankees after all.

Speaking of the Yankees, what a better way to close out historic Yankee Stadium than missing out on the playoffs, thanks to the Tampa Bay Rays. If George Steinbrenner still had brain function, the entire team would be fired, including the concession stand people. After all, the soggy nachos have really affected the players' performance.

Anyway, you have to think that Lil' Hank will try to throw his ample weight around, and I couldn't be more excited. Cashman - gone! Girardi - gone! Posada - adios! Jeter - no, he wouldn't, would he? Regardless, it'll be very exciting. Wonder if there are some phone call being made in Barry Bonds' direction?

Sure, there are more teams in the league, so I'll make some quick predictions. We'll revisit in a couple weeks.

AL
East - Rays
Central - Minnesota
West - Angels (seriously? the second place team is 15 games back? that's pathetic)
Wild Card - White Sox

NL
East - Phillies
Central - Cubs
West - Dodgers (Manny!)
Wild Card - Cardinals

AL Champ - White Sox
NL Champ - Dodgers

Dodgers win the series. And yes, that was completely random and I know very little about any of these teams. And yes again, I kind of contradicted my previous statements about the Rays. But I still don't think the Cubs will - it isn't going to happen.

Aren't you impressed - a full post about just baseball! You can wake up now!