As a third of the season is coming to a close, just wanted to bring attention to a team that since dropping "Devils" in their name, have really surprised the league with one of the best records in baseball. They grace the covers of both the Sporting News and SI (a comic book-like adaption cover), and, in my opinion, have by far, the hottest pitchers as a group in the league.


1.) Scott Kazmir
2.) James Shields
3.) Andy Sonnanstine
4.) Matt Garza
5.) JP Howell

Well, I hope I didn't jinx them -

For as long as I live, I will never call them the Tampa Bay Rays. It's stupid. They are the Devil Rays. Same as I will never call the Angels the Los Angeles Angels.

But Rocco Baldelli needs to come back to add complete hotness to the roster.

I don't understand why they don't just go with "Tampa Rays"

It's nice to see them finally be competitive, but I'm not yet convinced they can hang in past the All-Star Break.

Well, with 14 games remaining, well beyond the All-Star Break, and another thrilling come-from-behind game with the Bosox, ESPN has their probability of making the playoffs @ 99.9%. This team is a true Cinderella team that is buying into Maddon's philosophy 9=8 (Nine players = eight playoff teams).

Be convinced, third place.

And how hard is it to grasp that they don't play in Tampa and thus shouldn't be called "just" the "Tampa Rays." Why on earth would it make sense for a team that has played home games in Orlando... but NOT Tampa... to be called the "Tampa Rays????"

As much as I was rooting for them, I did not see them holding on and winning the division.

The Rays have clinched a tie for the division and had to fly from Baltimore to Detroit after last night's game to play a 1 pm game today to start a series. I can't believe the players' union couldn't have prevented this. It's an early game because it's seniors day or something.

Joe Maddon agrees...

*****2008 American League East Champions*****

Actually, I am now content - all the games I had to watch on MLB.tv since I am not in the Bay Area are now all well worth it. Yes, I stayed up to watch the final out between the Yankees and Red Sox to make sure I can celebrate.

Of course, I would like them to go the World Series, but if they don't, I am still thrilled of where they got.

Congrats to the Rays on an outstanding season! I never thought they would ever amount to anything, especially in that division....

Okay - I am totally thrilled and excited at this moment - after such a heart-wrenching Game 5 when the Rays were up 7 - and we know the rest of the story - to come back -and see this. That first post back in late May I knew the Rays were special - but this - American League Champions - THE WORLD SERIES - this is truly special.

Whatever comes out the series, I will be content, but this Cinderella team exemplifies today that really anything is possible if you stick with it.

...thank-you Rays for giving us a reprieve from Red Sox Nation for at least a year....

What a great year! Thank you so very much, guys!