Rangers vs. Rays: Tampa Will Capitalize on Playoff Opportunity

There is nothing scarier than a team that has scratched and clawed its way back from the brink of disaster and playoff irrelevancy, and that team is the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays are the most dangerous team in the playoffs, or at least in the AL.

There is absolutely no way that anybody could question their heart, determination, and attitude coming into the playoffs.

Now, I'm not saying that Texas didn't want the playoffs just as much if not more, but I am saying that I would be a little bit worried if I was the Rangers.

If there is one emotional advantage that the Rangers have, it's the fact that the Rays will undoubtedly come down from their high, and when they do they will be facing a talented and postseason ready team.

David Thomas of the Star-Telegram reports on the Rays emotional state coming into Texas:

"

The question as the Rays enter the ALDS this afternoon against the Texas Rangers is whether they can stay on top of that wave. Even manager Joe Maddon said that the emotional ending to the regular season "draws a lot out of you."

Maddon said his team celebrated making the playoffs after Wednesday's game and he noticed a sleepy group of players that boarded the plane for Texas on Thursday.

"Nobody's complaining, though," Maddon said.

Designated hitter Johnny Damon said the Rays, who basically have been playing with a postseason mentality for three weeks, don't have any choice but to try to carry on their momentum "or we'll be going home soon."

"I know this past month has been grueling, but we got to the playoffs," Damon said.

"With our pitching staff, anything can happen."

"

Damon is right, anything can happen, and that's the beauty of the MLB postseason.

The Rays could go out there, ride their momentum and absolutely beat up the Rangers, or they could crash and burn.

Both are a distinct possibility, so don't be surprised either way.

There is one thing I don't think we will see though, and that's the Rays giving up, no matter the circumstance.

The Rays saw the light at the end of the tunnel. They were literally one strike away from missing the playoffs all together, but then they found hope.

They found hope and they ran towards it with everything they had inside of them.

They didn't just make the playoffs, they fought for the playoffs.

They won the right to play in the playoffs. 

Seeing the end of the road can do something for a team. It can make them hungry, it can make them desperate to never find themselves in that position ever again.

The Rays may not win, but I can guarantee you that they will make the most of every opportunity they get.