Tampa Bay Rays' Biggest Winners and Losers in the First Half of the Season

As the first half of the 2013 MLB season nears an end, let's look back at what went right and what went wrong for the Tampa Bay Rays after almost three months of baseball.

It's been a frustrating first half for the Rays for multiple reasons, but at 42-39, they're still very much in the thick of the postseason race.

Here are the main winners and losers from the first half of the Rays' season.

Winner: The Offense

The Rays' offense has been amongst the best in all of baseball this season. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in the MLB in wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) with 109, and ninth in the league in runs (375).

The lineup, which has managed to stay healthy, has really clicked for Joe Maddon's club. Evan Longoria (.388 wOBA and 47 RBI) has swung the bat very well, along with Matt Joyce (.348 wOBA) and James Loney (.361 wOBA). Ben Zobrist, Kelly Johnson and Desmond Jennings have also been key contributors.

With Wil Myers now in the meat of this impressive lineup, Tampa's offense could be even more dangerous in the second half.

Loser: David Price

It's been a lousy 2013 for David Price, who is coming off a Cy Young-winning season last year. The Rays' ace posted a 1-4 record with a 5.24 ERA and 4.03 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) through nine starts before hitting the DL with a triceps strain last month.

Not only have Price's early-season struggles and injury hurt the Rays, but they haven't helped out his future trade value much either. On a more positive note, he is set to rejoin the rotation this Tuesday.

If one thing's for sure, the Rays are going to need Price back in top form for the second half if they want to compete in October.

Winner: James Loney

James Loney has enjoyed a nice comeback year with the Rays so far after disappointing 2012 season. Loney's put up an impressive .314/.367/.474 line with 40 RBI and a 134 wRC+.

He's been very productive defensively as well, posting a 2.9 UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating).

Loser: Jeff Niemann

The Jeff Niemann story is a very unfortunate one. It seems like every time the "Tall Texan" is about to break out into stardom, a big injury ruins his season.

The 30-year-old right-hander won't throw a single pitch in 2013 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. Niemann already lost his spot in the rotation in spring training to veteran Roberto Hernandez, so his future as a starter in Tampa Bay isn't a very bright one, especially now with the emergence of Chris Archer, Alex Colome and Alex Torres.

Winner: Rookie Pitchers

It's been a good season for the Rays' talented young crop of prospect pitchers. Chris Archer, Alex Colome and Alex Torres have all received some big league playing time this year thanks to injuries.

Archer, who proved he was MLB-ready in 2012, has once again flashed his high potential this season. He owns a 4.40 ERA through six starts.

Colome has been solid in his big league debut this season, allowing just four earned runs in his first three starts with the Rays. He's pitched 16 innings, striking out 12 batters and walking nine.

Archer and Colome sure have been exciting, but neither have made as big of a splash as Torres. The 25-year-old southpaw has been ridiculously good out of the bullpen, allowing just one run in 23 innings while striking out 31 and walking seven. If Torres can continue to pitch lights out, he'll find himself with a bigger role on the team.

Loser: The Bullpen

Tampa Bay's bullpen has been a huge disappointment this year, blowing countless leads late in games after being nearly flawless last season. Rays relievers have posted a 3.79 ERA, which ranks 17th in the league.

Fernando Rodney has regressed significantly in 2012, having already blown five saves in just 21 opportunities. Having pitched well of late, however, the group seems to have turned the corner.