The Blue Workhorse

Ten years ago, there was no Tampa Bay (no longer Devil) Rays feel good story in the American League East. No, on this day 10 years ago, the Devil Rays were a mere 45 games back with a 61-91 record.

There wasn’t even a pennant race as everything had already been signed, sealed, and delivered at the top of the division. The Red Sox had a respectable record (86-66), which would be good enough for a five game deficit this season. However, in 1998? Five game deficit? Try 20!

That’s right. Boston was 20 games out of first place September 18, 1998 even with 86 wins.

How?

…more…

The Red Sox, with two World Series titles in the last four years, are one of the favorites again this year. While the Red Sox are looking for championship titles, other division rivals have other goals: the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to move pass either the Red Sox or Yankees and get back into the top two in the division. However, they may have to hold off the upstart Tampa Bay (no longer Devil) Rays just to keep the #3 slot. The Rays first goal will be to finish above .500 for the first time in team history, but greater goals are just beyond the horizon.