Aug 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates with first baseman Carlos Pena (23) after beating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Rays won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
As you've likely noticed, since Evan Longoria returned from the DL, the Rays have been a perfect 6-0 and they're riding the longest win streak in the majors right now. Their streak -- coupled with some slumps from Oakland and LA -- has bumped the Rays all the way up to first place in the AL Wild Card standings, with Baltimore hanging just a half game behind them.
What's crazy is that this team still isn't clicking on all cylinders. Longoria may be back, but he's still getting a handle on major league pitching and is providing more of a moral boost than anything. And Luke Scott began a rehab assignment down in Charlotte this weekend, and should be back with the Rays within a week or so. If the pitching stays strong and the offense clicks into gear down the stretch run...oh baby.
Ben Zobrist made a questionable decision in yesterday's game against the Twins, deciding to lay down a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning in order to advance runners to second and third. Unfortunately, this then led to the Twins intentionally walking Longoria and the Rays pinch-running for Longoria, so Joe Maddon stated after the game that he felt it was the wrong call. Here's hoping Zobrist gets the message, as his post-game comments sound a lot like doubling down.
Rajai Davis made an outstanding, home-run-robbing catch in yesterday's game between the Blue Jays and White Sox Yankees. I saw people on Twitter debating if it's the catch of the year...I'm undecided, but it's certainly in contention.
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