The Rays After 40 Games

The 2009 Tampa Bay Rays played their fortieth game of the season on Monday, May 18th and in so doing got themselves back to the .500 mark at 20-20. But at this point, things that went right in 2008 so far have not in 2009, and the Rays find themselves in fourth place in their division. Things have taken a strange turn for the Tampa Bay Rays – the 2008 team was pitching-strong but anemic on offense. In 2009, the offense looks like their best ever (slight exaggeration) while the pitching has looked mediocre. Perhaps no player better represents this turnaround than Jason Bartlett. In my opinion, Bartlett is the most underrated style of player – the all-glove, offensive-liability shortstop. Every team should have one. I would take Bartlett over Derek Jeter any day of the week. Except, Bartlett is no longer filling the role as described. Coming into 2009, Bartlett’s career high for a single season OPS was .760, and he did that three years ago. This year, his OPS is 1.010, a num...