Longoria's 3 jack cities aren't enough to put Twins away

If there was a time in baseball history where a team with the one of the lowest payrolls flourished with a magical season they would be similar to the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays. No one thought the young, emblazoned team who has never made the playoffs since their franchise debut would exceed lofty expectations. All while making the New York Yankees sulk and feel like crap after another season gone straight to the toilet. Yeah, that's right the mighty Empire can forget about the playoffs (so suck on that spoiled Yankee fans)! Unlike their success based mainly on richness the Rays have a true source which powers their team: young leadership. Tampa Bay put up one heck of an effort Thursday night against the Twins. Evan Longoria did his best to joust for a comeback smacking 3 homeruns.

No one can deny the Rays their destiny this year. I really wouldn't be surprised to see them in the World Series. They have a good group of young pitchers with Kazmir and Garza in the rotation plus a steady mix of talent in the lineup. All season long one man in particular has been overlooked and that's Carlos Pena. He connected on his 30th homerun last night. That makes back-to-back seasons of 30 or more homeruns with a chance for 100 RBIs again. Yes he's a veteran with a flair for the dramatic. Another central piece to their offense is Eric Hinske who continues to have quiet hitting contributions. The same goes for the infielder Bartlett who seemly has come out of no where.

Don't count the Rays out in the playoffs, this club is legitimate. Sure they are neck and neck with Boston, only a 1.5 ahead in first place. Having offense with speed certainly helps a team as well. This is where B.J. Upton comes into play. The rising star outfielder has 42 stolen bases! To go along with that, add 82 runs scored and bang there is the offensive production. With Tampa Bay on the verge of clinching a playoff spot the fans better start supporting them by filling the seats. I know the team is in Florida and the hurricanes pose threats (still the team plays indoor), but damn this team is hot!! In other words the Rays are the team to watch come October so fans better recognize.