It's the middle of a playoff race in MLB baseball and many teams are gearing up for last push towards a spot in said playoffs. The trade deadline will give these teams a good opportunity to load up for the stretch run. As we look at the teams near the top of their divisions, one team sticks out like a sore thumb. 

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a playoff race, a race that they are not supposed to be in. Last year, the organization traded their top players such as Chris Archer and Evan Longoria for prospects to build for the future. But the Rays have been stubborn on that approach by overachieving and exceding expectations with players going out to the field as if it was their last game ever. One player, Blake Snell, won the Cy Young against contenders like Justin Verlander and Corey Kluber. Their manager, Kevin Cash, uses tactics that I think is quick-thinking and gives his team a somewhat advantage over his opponents that have more talent than the Rays. Last year, he used relievers to start a game rather than actual starters. Weeks ago, he did multiple changes during one stoppage of play that prompted the Red Sox to protest the game. Cash, I believe, should be in conversation for the AL Manager of the Year Award with his keen eye for the game and his players reaching their potential. The franchise itself has had a brief history of success, particularly 2008. The team dominated the AL and survived a classic 7 game ALCS against huh!, the Red Sox to advance to the World Series. However, a rain delay killed their momentum as the Phillies conquered the crown. With all of this, one dark cloud has been hanging over the franchise.

THE STADIUM ISSUE

Tropicana Field is a good venue for basketball, hockey and other events. For baseball, it is an eye sore considering that the stadium isn't equipped for baseball. The catwalks near the roof cause flyballs to become irriating for outfielders. The lighting also blinds them. The fans don't show up because of Tropicana Field. Remember back in the early 90's, the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers were rumored to relocate to Tampa, because of their own stadium issues. The Giants were saved by Peter McGowan and opened AT&T Park in 2000, while the Rangers were saved by George W. Bush and opened Globe Life Park in 1994. Fun fact: The Giants and Rangers participated in the World Series in 2010 with San Francisco winning Game 5 to win the title.....at Globe Life Park. Want more salt on the wound? The Rangers will open their brand new stadium next season. So if you're keeping score, New stadiums: Texas 2, Tampa 0. There have been negotations with nearby Ybor City about a project that would give the Rays the spanking new stadium they need, but the talks have been off. Then back on again and off. The desperation has shown now after reading that the Rays are thinking of experimenting with playing some games in Montreal....AT OLYMPIC STADIUM! Yes, Olympic Stadium. The same Olympic Stadium that was deemed a terrible place that it caused the Expos to move to Washington in 2005. (Cheap pop: If you want to read about the Expos' shortened 1994 season, check out my blog about that.) 

So, the Rays are a team that has promise and has a fanbase who can get behind them if, and only if, a new stadium comes to fruition. Until then, the Rays will always be in limbo.

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