Yankees: 5 most important things on their minds as they enter ALDS versus Rays, Yankees: A player-by-player look as they head into ALDS vs. Rays, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. “The way that we pitch, we’re going to attack hard in,’’ Brosseau said. Calling the pen: Reliever usage makes a difference. And if the economics don’t, the Yankees and/or Red Sox sure could. It’s a driving factor for sure,’’ Brosseau said. Leftover salaries from players who have been traded or released, or buyouts for declined options. The two teams were scheduled to hold workouts Saturday and Sunday. Salaries from players currently in the system. “It’s OK with us. These Rays have it. There’s no denying that Tampa Bay’s tiny payroll includes a healthy chunk of parsimony, but most observers agree that the team lacks the revenue — and the possibility of such — … The recent bad blood traces to September 2018, when Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge threw a fastball over the helmet of then-Yankees catcher Austin Romine. Salaries from players who have been placed on the injured list, still counting against the payroll. Trying to explain why the Rays are leading the pack is like trying to explain how magnets work. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. “That’s the best way to get their hitters out.''. The pretenders and contenders in each division are starting to separate, and perhaps the most surprising development so far is how the American League East is shaking out. The players seem to genuinely be enjoying the season, too, and they’ve talked openly about it. But logic doesn’t always apply in underdog stories or in baseball. Use of any marks, trademarks, or logos on this website shall not constitute a sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder. They’re a great Cinderella story, especially playing in such a powerhouse division. If you’ve hit the snooze button on the first 35 or so games and you’ve based most of your assumptions on last year, here’s the only thing you really need to know: in a division with the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox and the power-hitting New York Yankees, the Tampa Bay Rays lead the pack. But the economics of baseball might catch up to them before the end of the season. “We like playing with that chip on our shoulder, kind of that mentality to prove people wrong.’’. Even with the Yankees’ feared relief unit, the Rays’ pen has still performed better. That the Rays won the AL East by seven games doesn’t change the narrative that the star-laden Yankees - with a $200-plus million payroll - is the big brother in this battle. Team Names: Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Devil Rays Seasons: 23 (1998 to 2020) Record: 1726-1896, .477 W-L% Playoff Appearances: 6 Pennants: 1 World Championships: 0 Winningest Manager: Joe Maddon, 754-705, .517 W-L% More Franchise Info Final thoughts: Putting a bow on this thing. That was Sept. 1 at Yankee Stadium, when the game nearly ended in a brawl. They even traded one of their most. “I think that fuels our fire a little bit. For unlimited access to all Yankees analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app. “I would expect those same tensions, if not even more.’’. On the surface, it makes no sense that the Rays are leading the Yankees after more than 20 percent of the season. Luis Severino, James Paxton and CC Sabathia. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyze site traffic, & serve targeted ads. All rights reserved. The Rays tout the best mark in baseball with a 2.91 ERA, while the Yankees come in at the No. Salaries for players who had salaries deferred to the current year. If the Yankees are a 21st century Goliath, no team better personifies David than the Rays. This year, in empty ballparks, both clubs complained about the high level of chirping coming from the dugouts and the Rays specifically mentioned Yankees third base coach Phil Nevin’s running commentary. Also, by disabling these cookies you will also disable banner ads served by Google Adsense on this website.. For more information about these items, view our complete privacy policy.Read More. New York touts guys like Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, while Tampa is rolling out Tommy Pham and Avisail Garcia. They don’t like us, we don’t like them,’’ Kiermaier said. Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone on Yankees’ decision-making, Gammons: The importance of catchers looms larger than ever this October.