If last year’s success for the Tampa Bay Rays was any sign of things to come for the franchise, the crowd’s signature hitting of the cowbell will be plentiful in October.
The complete turnaround of a franchise began in 2008 when out of nowhere, the team not only made it to the playoffs, but went to the World Series. With years of top draft picks, the Rays push was led by the group of young players mixed in with veteran misfits that happen to land in Tampa. The 97 wins that year was said to be just a magical one year season, because of the history of terrible Rays teams. Completely understandable considering the previous season ended with a 66-96 record. In fact, the Rays had only reached 70 wins once since its inception. But after that 2008 magic, the Rays have never gone back to a win percentage below .500. The last two years have started a pattern that begins with analysts predicting them to not reach the playoffs. This year, bovada.com has the Rays over/under win total set at 86.5 with -130 for the over and even odds for the under.
Nothing was more exciting last year than watching the last day of the regular season where the Red Sox game and Tampa’s coincided.
Right after Jonathan Papelbon blew a save that was impossible to lose, Evan Longoria ripped a line drive that conveniently found the little dip in the left field corne, which put the Rays back into the postseason. Any other park, any other team, it probably doesn’t happen that way. But Joe Madden’s hair just wouldn’t go quietly. The big rip boosted the Rays into the ALDS where the season was ended by the eventual pennant winner in Texas.
The takeaway message from last year, however, was that the Rays are becoming a perennial playoff contender. This year, the team is only getting older, and that’s not a bad thing. Longoria, David Price, James Shields, B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings, Matt Moore, and Ben Zobrist are a part of the core group of players that are turning hopes around in Tampa. With most of the young players still not over the age of 25, Tampa has a bright future that could continue this year with the trend started in 2008. It’s easy to read this and expect big things for the Rays, but do remember they play in the AL East with the Red Sox and Yankees. Add the Rangers, Angels, and Tigers and you have one really tough job finding a t-shirt inspirational enough to push the Rays to the World Series.
Over/Under Regular Season Wins For 2012 Tampa Bay Rays – bet it at Bovada
See more 2012 Regular Season Win Props at Bovada Sportsbook