Nine Game Homestand May Hold The Fate Of The Rays

The Rays were ready to roll, coming off a terrific run at home that included a two-game sweep of the team they were chasing, the Boston Red Sox. The schedule makers decided to throw Tampa Bay a curve ball, sending them out to the west coast.

The Rays had a horrible roadtrip after getting swept out of Los Angeles. They finished 1-5 and saw their one-and-a-half game deficit fall to four games behind Boston for the AL Wildcard. Barring a miracle, the Rays are out of the AL East race.

Next for Tampa Bay is a crucial nine-game home stand that may go a long way in deciding if the Rays will still be in the race come September.

First up for the Rays is a team they've had some success against—the Toronto Blue Jays. Tampa Bay is 7-2 against the Jays this season, including three wins off of ace Roy Halladay.

After Toronto is the last place Orioles. Baltimore has befuddled the Rays this season winning four of the seven meetings. This has to change as the Rays have eleven games left with the Orioles. If Tampa Bay expects to contend for the wild card spot, they must beat the teams they are better than.

The trip ends up with a monumental series with the Texas Rangers. Texas, one of the teams in contention with Tampa Bay for the AL wild card, took three from the Rays in Arlington.

Head-to-Head matchups with the other competitors for the final playoff berth may be the deciding factor.

With Boston on the road in Texas (who has owned the Red Sox this season) and Toronto, then facing the Yankees yet again, the Rays could really make some ground if they can have a good homestand.

6-3 is worst case scenario for the Rays to stay in contention, in my opinion. Any worse and Tampa Bay may be playing the spoiler role the rest of the season.