As we head into the final week of the unofficial first half of the 2008 season there are a lot of interesting story lines. From the Devil Rays, i mean Rays, and the big moves in the NL Cetral Major League baseball is in a great position.
The best story in baseball is the amazing transformation of the Tampa Rays. They have gone from the worst team in baseball for the past ten years, to what appears to be a legitimate playoff contender. They currently have the best record in the major leagues and have 9 and 4 game leads in the loss column over the Yankees and Red Sox respectively. They are a story just like the 1969 Mets and the 1991 Braves as they attempt to go from worst to first. They have done it with a lot of athleticism, youth, pitching and defense. Led by Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, and BJ Upton the Rays can run with anyone and play great defense. Their pitching staff has turned into one of their rocks. With Scott Kazmir, Jamie Shields, and Matt Garza upfront they have a 1-2-3 that can match up with anyone else. And their bullpen is now one of the top in the leagues anchored by Troy Percival who has re-ignited his career. But the main guy to focus on is third baseman Evan Longoria. He has brought instand credibility to the Rays lineup. He plays gold glove third and can hit with anyone else. He is a clutch performer who will be the face of their orginization for years to come. I do not expect the Rays to go anywhere the rest of the way as even a 500 finish will lead them to 90+ wins.
The wheeling and dealing in the NL Central has brought a new buzz to the National League. With C.C, sorry its now CC Sabathia coming to the Brewers and Rich Harden going to the Cubs, the race in the NL Central just got a lot more interesting. The Cubs are taking a big risk picking up Harden. If he can remain healthy, and thats a big if, he can give them an answer to Sheets- Sabathia as he pairs with Carlos Zambrano. However if he is still a constant returner to the DL the move was a big mistake. Watching the excitement in Miller Stadium tonight as CC took the hill for the first time in a Brewers uniform was amazing. It was like life was being given to a dormant fanbase. A fanbase that has had next to nothing the last decade and a half. A fan base that was used to being on the other end of those type of trades, as they would dump valuable players for prospects. It was truly great to see them re-energized and ready for a great pennant race with a huge rival.
Things should get even more interesting as we quickly approach the trading deadline July 31st.
Tomorrow: MLB's Resurgence with Young Players
