How the Tampa Bay Rays Went From Worst to First

The Tampa Bay Rays have been an American League doormat since their creation in 1998. However, seemingly out of nowhere, the Rays have become the best team in the AL East. If you focus on a few factors, however, it's easy to see how this team turned it around so quickly.

1. Maturation of the Starting Rotation

Everybody has heard of Scott Kazmir, but James Shields has pitched just as well. Matt Garza was a solid addition in a trade with the Twins, one that also brought over starting shortstop Jason Bartlett.

Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson have benefited from a year's experience, as both have eclipsed their win totals from last year. Don't forget about David Price (above, left), the No. 1 draft pick that will more than likely see the majors toward the end of the season.

2. Bolstering of the Bullpen

The Rays' bullpen was the worst in the majors last season. This year, it is one of the best. How? The acquisitions of veterans Dan Wheeler and Troy Percival (above, right) helped bring some experience (as well as solid numbers) to the Rays' 'pen, and Grant Balfour has been dominating, leading the majors in batting average against.

Moving J.P. Howell to a relief role has proven to be an ingenious decision, as he has already compiled more wins (six) than he did in three years as a starter.

3. Evan Longoria

It's no secret how big an impact this rookie has had on the Rays' offense. Longoria made the AL All-Star team, despite spending the first month of the season in the minors. Anybody still wondering why they signed this guy through 2016?

4. Timely Hitting

Aside from Longoria, the Rays' lineup doesn't look much different than it did last year, and it really isn't much more explosive. In fact, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, and B.J. Upton are all hitting below their career averages.

But with the Rays pitching—they don't need much run support—this team has produced enough runs to ascend to the top of the AL East. If there is a potential downfall for this team, however, this may be it.

Many are urging Tampa Bay to trade for a right-handed bat, but they may rely on the return of Rocco Baldelli and increased production from the aforementioned trio of hitters. Only time will tell if their offense can hold up for the entire season.