The Snell of Fear

 

Welp...I guess I have to suffer this year as well.

The Yankees just...can't simply win when they're supposed to. The Blue Jays have caught steam and have usurped them in the standings. And the Rays, despite injuries to the bullpen and Yandy Diaz,...CANNOT...SEEM...TO SLOW DOWN.

I'm not gonna say I'm shocked, because this Rays team has been fantastic for the last 2 years, defying odds with low-budget stars that eventually become high-ticket players, like Blake Snell, Willy Adames, Kevin Kiermaier and Nick Anderson, all gaining infamy and clout by being a part of these teams. 

Look, you'd think that stripping the rotation of Yarbrough and Chirinos would slow the Rays down, but now Josh Fleming is starting games and impressing people, and John Curtiss and Trevor Richards are solid bobbing for the final spot. Even Charlie Morton and Blake Snell have recovered from high ERAs. The bullpen has turned itself around after losing several mainstays to injury, and are using guys like Aaron Loup and Cody Reed, and they're still completely stopping runs.

Also, even the bench is owning with this team. Mike Brosseau is getting more and more playing time, Kevan Smith is getting some much-needed starting time behind the plate, Randy Arozarena has a high average, Joey Wendle has finally reentered the lineup as a starter, Manny Margot is hitting again, and, of course, Lowe, Kiermaier and Adames are the heart of this team. 

I don't know how the Rays can consistently develop great teams without spending too much or trying too hard, but they've done it again. They're gonna go into the postseason as one of the top-seeded AL teams, as much as it pains me to say it. And whatever riches they acquire, they'll deserve.

Coming Tonight: His brother's catching for the pennant contending Padres, and he's the ace for another wild card team whose hot streak just came to an abrupt end.