Rays Topple the Evil Empire

In their 11th season, the Tampa Bay Rays have exorcised their "Devil" and made the playoffs. Led by a solid pitching rotation, superior defense and timely hitting, the Rays have toppled the "Evil Empire" for a spot in the American league playoffs. The Rays used their talented core of young players to take the American League by storm.

Despite not having any players having career years offensively, time and time again, the Rays came thru with timely hits. Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena provided the power while a new hero seemed come thru night after night. A second half surge from Jason Bartlett helped to stave off the rush of the Yankees and Red Sox with the Sox securing the second playoff spot from the division.

In the first round, the Rays will most likely face the winner of the AL Central, either the White Sox or the Minnesota Twins. The Rays split the 10 games they played against the Twins this season. The Rays took six of ten from the White Sox this season.

As far as match ups, the White Sox lack a true ace which bodes well for the Rays ace tandem of Scott Kazmir and James Shields. They have pitchers with great stuff but lack the fortitude to become an ace. Javier Vasquez being the prime example of lacking what it takes to be a dominant playoff ace. The Sox have the edge offensively over the Rays in homers, average and runs scored. The Rays own the edge in pitching where it matters in the playoffs. The Sox have the edge in experience,but the 2003 Marlins didn't have too much experience and it didn't seem to stop them from beating the Yankees in Yankee Stadium. My pick is the Rays in 4 games against the Sox and onto the ALCS.

The Twins are led by league leading hitter Mauer and slugger Morneau and an emphasis on pitching and defense like the Rays. They are a much tougher matchup for the Rays and stand a much better chance of taking the series from Tampa. Enter the Rays Wild Card- David Price. Soon to be one of the top lefties in the league, Price has number one stuff with an electric fastball and devestating slider.

Turning the Trop into their own home field is the most amazing feat. For years, visiting fans ruled the Trop when the likes of the Yankees and Red Sox came to town but Raysmania is taking to west Florida and rightfully so. The new leadership for the Tampa Bay Rays has the team hoping to build a base in Florida to make it a viable franchise. Thru drafting and player development, the Rays have established a base to build on for years to come. Whether the Rays make the World Series or even the League Championship Series, the Ray are headed in the right direction.