“You were a year off.”
Well, actually it is two years. But this is the constant refrain I have heard from people concerning the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays (formerly known as the Devil Rays).
For those who do not know, prior to the 2006 season I predicted Tampa Bay would win the World Series. (
americandaily.com) Not only did Tampa Bay not win the World Series they finished with the worst record in MLB. They had the worst record in MLB in 2007 as well. Although the Rays have a highly touted minor league system, there was little reason to believe things would be radically different in 2008. Even I thought the Rays would finish 2008 with a .500 record. (
canadafreepress.com)
However, as of this writing, the Tampa Bay Rays own the best record in MLB with a 55-35 record. They lead the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox by two games and the New York Yankees by 6 and a half games in the American League East. With less than a week to go before the 2008 All Star Game, nobody (and I mean nobody) thought the Rays would be in this position.
So what has changed in two short years?
Well, let’s begin with what has remained constant. Joe Maddon is in his third year as the Rays manager. Scott Kazmir is still the ace of the starting rotation and the New York Mets hate being reminded of it to no end. Carl Crawford is a speedy, solid hitter with a good glove in the outfield. That was a good foundation but the other parts weren’t there in 2006 but they are in 2008. Those other parts are a combination of prospects living up to their potential and smart acquisitions that have resulted in journeyman players being given a chance to play regularly and make a contribution.
Scott Kazmir now finds himself accompanied by four other exciting young starting pitchers – James Shields, Andy Sonnanstine, Edwin Jackson and Matt Garza, who was acquired from the Twins in the off season. The starting rotation has accounted for 36 of the team’s 55 wins so far in 2008. Sonnanstine has 10 wins while Kazmir, Shields and Garza each have 7 and Jackson with 5.
Aaron Goldstein was a card carrying member of the socialist New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP). Since 09/11, Aaron has reconsidered his ideological inclinations and has become a Republican. Aaron lives and works in Boston. 
