Sometimes I really feel bad for the Tampa Bay Rays. They share a division with the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox. Even with that they Rays sit in second place just 2 games behind the division leading Yankees. Over all they have a 42-29. Not too shabby at all. Over their last ten games they are 3-7. Of course they have drawn some of the tougher National League teams in interleague play including the Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres.
On the offensive side of the ball, they are hitting .257 which is the ninth best mark among the 14 American League teams. They have 625 hits; 140 of which were doubles. 16 more were triples and the club has 65 home runs. They have 352 RBI, and the team has scored 362 runs. With 83 stolen bases the lead the AL in this particular category. However this team could use some more offense. 1B Carlos Pena is hitting just .200; DH Pat Burrell is hitting just .202 and has been dropped to the ninth spot in the daily batting order.
As for the pitching staff David Price is the clear leader. He is 10-3 and has an ERA of 2.45. He has struck out 73 batters and issued 37 walks. As a staff the team ERA is 3.57, and that is the lowest staff ERA in the American League. They have given up just 275 runs, struck out 521 batters, and issued 213 walks. Their Closer, Rafael Soriano is 2-0 converted 16 saves and has a 1.40 ERA. Pitching in not the thing that is wrong with this team.
This team needs to add some offense if they want to compete for the division crown or a wild card birth into the playoffs. Heading into 2010 one of the questions about this team was could Pat Burrell provide enough offense? It seems clear that he cannot and they will need a lot more production out of their DH spot. The team also has a decision to make; Carl Crawford will be a free agent following this season. It will take a big contract offer to keep him in Tampa; of course Pena’s deal is also up.
Related Links:
• Tampa Bay Rays news and notes • The Business of Major League Baseball •MTR baseball.com
