Major League Baseball

One year later, Rays somehow still in the hunt

Published Aug. 12, 2009 7:21 p.m. ET

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With the New York Yankees taking control of the American League East, the focus shifts to the weird world of the wild card.

Before considering whether Tampa Bay can outdo Boston and Texas, of the West, for the final AL playoff spot, a more important subject must be examined.

How is Tampa Bay still in contention?


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For the second consecutive season, the Rays are an unlikely postseason possibility.

Last year, they turned the first winning season in the franchise's short history into a spot in the World Series. This year, the Rays hang around without many of the vital pieces that make a contender.

The Rays have lacked a defined closer. The Rays have more pitchers with a save (eight) than any other major-league club. Lowly Washington was second in the category with six. Being lumped with the pesky Nats in any area is not good.

The Rays have lacked a catalyst in the leadoff spot. They began Wednesday's play ranked eighth in the AL for on-base percentage from the No. 1 hitters at .337.

The Rays have lacked a designated hitter who puts even a hint of fear into opponents. Their DHs were ninth in slugging percentage.

Imagine the Yankees without Mariano Rivera closing, Most Valuable Player candidate Derek Jeter batting leadoff and Hideki Matsui as the DH. Or imagine the Red Sox without Jonathan Papelbon closing, Jacoby Ellsbury batting leadoff and David Ortiz as the DH.

(Well, maybe the Red Sox can commiserate with the Rays about being saddled with a toothless DH.)

Imagine those scenarios, and you get the Rays.

Yet here they are, lurking near the lead in the wild-card race. If the Rays are to make a move, the time is now.

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