the Rays have the same players as last year. Players that were supposed to improve. Instead many took a step back. A big acquisition busted. The defense has taken a step back. The only thing this team has been consistent at is being inconsistent. The fact that they can gear up for the big games against Boston and New York and look very lackluster against bottom-feeders indicate a lack of consistent focus. I still do not believe this team knows how to prepare for the long-haul of a baseball season, still just thinking that all the breaks will go their way like last year.

They caught everyone by surprise last year. This year everyone was ready. Add in the Yankees big retooling, and Boston still holding on and it was thought there was a possibility that the Rays could field a good team and still finish third. The problem is, the Rays have every opportunity to take the wild card and haven’t capitalized.

Losing 5 of 6 on the road with the Wild Card there for the taking is unacceptable. Why? In the manner that it happened. Multiple errors. Wild flailings called at-bats. This was such a disciplined team last year. It shows they have it in them. You wouldn’t know it by the way they’ve played this year.

The starting pitching that was the bedrock of last year’s team has not been the same stalwart this year. Shields has exemplified this inconsistency. One good start, one bad start. An inconsistent ace on an inconsistent team.

Because of last year’s success, it’s easy to overlook just how hard it is to succeed in the AL East. But, fans frustrations are not, for the most part, in finishing third to Boston and New York. It’s HOW they are doing it. That’s what makes this season feel so lousy.