For the First Time Since 2010...

...the Tampa Bays Rays are the American League East champs. Joey Wendle got them rolling with a top of the 2nd inning homer. Randy Arozarena then hit a pair and Brandon Lowe, an 8th inning blast en route to an 8-5 win over the Mets.

Fundamentally strong, while financially prudent -- due to chronic low attendance in normal times -- these "no name" Rays dominated the Yankees, winning eight of 10 during the season, and claimed their first division title in a decade.

Let's no overlook their pitching: Wednesday night's winner Tyler Glasnow has posted seven or more strikeouts in eight consecutive starts. He teams with veterans Charlie Morton and Blake Snell in an imposing top three; make that four when you add in rookie Josh Fleming, who is 4-0 in his six starts, while walking just six batters over 24 innings.

Next week's Wild Card round will include the "big name" clubs, the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers and Braves. Probably, the surprising Marlins, who remain above .500. But the other Florida team, that one plays inside the often derided Tropicana Field, could be the one with the brightest post-season prospects.


 

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