Are The Rays' More Than Just A Feel Good Story?

A quarter of the way through the 2008 season has seen the Tampa Bay Rays establish a new order for the franchise. Officially gone in mid May are the days of waiting for NFL summer camps to open in July.

Also gone are the laughing stock comparisons to the Bad News Bears and Charlie Brown.

This year, the Tampa Bay area fan base may actually be watching what may soon be a dream season unfold. The signs for just that are becoming more clear as each week goes by.

After the Thursday afternoon 5-2 victory over the Yankees, the Rays record stands at 24-17, and in sole possession of first place, leading Boston by a full game. Not only is their record the best ever by any Rays team, it also is the best record in the American League.

What is impressive though, is how the Rays got there.

The current 16-6 streak has included 18 games against teams that were above .500 in 2007.

An eleven game home winning streak that ended on Wednesday came at expense of teams that were all above .500 last year. Among those teams swept were the Red Sox, who were shutout once, and then had a bottom of the 8th inning two run homer seal another 2-1 Rays victory. The Red Sox left humbled but angry, and paid back Tampa Bay later with a sweep of their own in Boston .

In years past, that sweep might have sent the Rays packing, and beginning a never ending tailspin into baseball oblivion.

But not this team and not this year.

Next came the Angels into Tropicana Field, leading the AL in batting.

But they too left Tampa Bay impressed with the club after suffering two shutouts and scoring just a single run in the series.

"There is nothing they did that surprised us," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "They have a lot of good things going and I think I saw it first hand."

Defense and pitching have been key for the Rays. The new infield has committed just 9 errors in 41 games, which leads both leagues for fewest errors by an infield . Difficult double plays have become routine by shortstop Jason Bartlett and second baseman Aki Iwamura.

More important though, is that routine double plays have become routine.

The speedy outfield of Carl Crawford, B J Upton, and a combination of right fielders has allowed few balls to find the gaps.

Pitching has at times been dominant. Careless base on balls that plagued this pitching staff in years past have been reduced to just a 136 in 41 games.

The bullpen ERA is at 3.16 and is now a full three fewer runs per game allowed in 2007, while the team ERA is 3.69 and nearly two runs less than at this same time last year.

Starting pitching was up and down early on, but has come on like gangbusters during the streak.

During the eleven game home winning streak, Rays starters compiled an ERA of 1.96, while holding teams to one run or less six times and with three of those being shutouts. Rays' starters have now thrown 75 straight innings without giving up a home run.

So where does this go?

Forward for sure.

This 2008 Rays' version is unlike any other in their history. For the first time ever, there is solid starting pitching teamed with a consistent bullpen that is well balanced for situational purposes.

The team defense is among the best in either league.

The Rays can hit the ball out of the park or can play small ball very effectively. There is constant pressure on opposing pitchers when Rays runners reach base.

Clutch hits have come by nearly everyone that has been on the roster. Dependency on one or two batters is out the door.

The formula for success is finally here. Depth, speed, versatility, and youth make this an electric team to watch, and coupled with a confident drive with a will to win, will keep this team at the forefront of discussions at water coolers everywhere across the country.