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. Continue reading →