Tampa Bay Rays Seating Chart

The Tampa Bay Rays have long been praised for the abundance of exceptional talent in their farm system, but the low budget franchise has yet to see anything but dead last in the American League East. That is until now.

The Rays have taken the baseball world by storm this year, as they currently sit in first place in the American League East. They have led baseball's toughest division nearly the entire summer despite having a payroll barely higher than the annual paycheck of New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Analysts around the game have said each of the past couple of seasons that it was only a matter of time before the Rays finished better than last place, but no one was predicting this kind of improvement.

Tampa Bay has been so successful this year thanks to a starting rotation that is vastly improved. Scott Shields has become the ace of the rotation, though the argument can be made that Scott Kazmir is just as good, if not better.

The bullpen has also shown dramatic improvement, led by the offseason signing of veteran closer Troy Percival. Percival has still had his usual stints on the disabled list, but they have been fewer and farther in between and he has been very effective when on the mound.

The offense, which was supposed to be the strength of the team, has struggled a little bit. However, the team has found a way to manufacture runs, especially in clutch situations at the end of games.

First baseman Carlos Pena is having a disappointing season in the power department while outfielders Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton have both had down offensive years. Crawford is actually out for the year with a torn tendon in his finger.

The bright spot offensively has been rookie third baseman Evan Longoria. He didn't make an appearance with the big league club until May, but made up for lost time in a hurry with a powerful bat and gold-glove defense.

Despite a significant stay on the disabled list toward the end of the summer, Longoria is still the heavy favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Tampa Bay should make the playoffs even if they limp down the stretch, as they should be able to at least win the wild card if they can't hold off the Boston Red Sox for the division title.

The Rays have no playoff experience whatsoever, so that is a concern heading into the postseason. However, you can't underestimate the great chemistry they have going or their ability to surprise some teams in the playoffs.