Official Red Sox  

2008 Schedule

The Tampa Bay Rays are inexplicably in the lead in the American League East. They have outplayed the Yankees and the Red Sox so far in the first half of the season. Not long ago, they were several games behind the Red Sox, but where Boston has lost seven of the last 10, Tampa Bay has won the eight of their last 10.

Though nobody really knows what to expect during the MLB season, not many could have seen this coming. It was much more likely that this would be the season the Red Sox and Yankees would go at it again and the Red Sox Nation might topple the Evil Empire.

Instead, a team that can dominate at Fenway Park with a 32-10 record has had too many struggles on the road. The Rays are one of only five teams in the American League to have road records at least at .500. In all fairness, the Red Sox have had an injury list that has often depleted the starting pitching, and thus the relief pitching.

The second half of the season is a promising one with Curt Schilling and Bartolo Colon expected to return. They might be in shape by the end of the season to make a historic run at first place.

Boston is still in shock at the mid-season standings. The club has a dominant offense that is in the top two is almost every major offensive category. What is more remarkable is that with the injury to David Ortiz and Ramirez’ “struggle” this season the rest of the lineup has been filled with big producers. Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and J.D. Drew have all hit well and provided unexpected power. All three have made the All Star roster deservingly.

The Bo Sox even have some speed with Jacoby Ellsbury, Julio Lugo, and Coco Crisp. Once, or if, the pitching picks up, a World Series repeat might not be far away. That run would be possible from the Wild Card, so Boston does not even have to concentrate on catching Tampa Bay, the team, fittingly, might just have to hold off the Yankees.