Jun 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (3) celebrates with Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Joey Butler (9) after hitting a three-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
All season I have been amazed at what the Tampa Bay Rays have gotten out of baseball’s third lowest payroll.
If Joe Maddon was still around, it wouldn’t be much of a big deal. Instead, they have a rookie manager in Kevin Cash who has served as the Cleveland Indians bullpen coach for the last two seasons.
They also have a new general manager in Matthew Silverman who just like his predecessor Andrew Friedman has found his way to a few hidden gems.
The Rays have six players in their everyday lineup who were not everyday players in 2014. They also have a pitching staff that sports the American League’s best ERA despite four starting pitchers on the disabled list.
Coming into today, the Rays have the third best record in the AL and sit atop what has now become baseball’s best division.
As winners of eight of their last 10 games, the Rays are one of the hottest team in baseball.
Other teams coming off of strong weeks include the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles.
The same can’t be said for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers and New York Mets.
Here are the power rankings for the week.
Next: How do the Cardinals keep doing it?