Can Tampa Bay Rays claim the American League East Division title? – MLB Update
This is one question Manager Joe Maddon can answer the best. Throughout this season, Tampa Bay Rays have produced some impressive performances to stay in the playoff race. Without a shadow of a doubt, the Rays have some of the best hitting and pitching line-ups
in the entire American League.
Rays ability to up their game-play under pressure is what makes them a dangerous side. Additionally, other teams have found it extremely difficult to beat Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
However, the Rays are now facing the toughest challenge of the season. Right now, they are two games behind the leaders Baltimore Orioles on the American League East Division standings table. The battle is going to be tough but the Rays certainly have what
it takes to overcome the mighty Orioles and New York Yankees.
“You can talk all you want about home runs … what’s going to take us to the next level is what we did [Wednesday], execute the little things,” said Alex Rodriguez, who contributed an RBI double in the Rays’ loss to the Yankees in the series finale.
"I am trying to get as many left-handed bats in the lineup as I could," manager Joe Maddon said of Elliot Johnson. "And I want to give Ryan Roberts a break. Elliot had been our starting shortstop for, what, a quarter of the season? He works hard. He plays
hard. He cares. He just made a mistake.”
In David Price, Tampa Bay has one of the best pitchers in the game. Price has produced several match winning performances this season and surely he will be looking to play a key role in fuelling Rays back to the top of the AL East standings.
Rays’ batting line-up is also packed with some of the finest hitters. It will be interesting to see if the offence can score runs consistently to help Rays make it to the playoffs.
Maddon will be under immense pressure these days. After doing all the hard work, he does not want the title to slip through his fingers. Only time will tell if the Rays are capable of lifting the AL East title this season.
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