Like every Tampa Bay Ray before him, Sam Fuld came out of nowhere and became a house hold name instantly with amazing web gems and stunning offensive stats on a team that surely needed it.
So far this season, Fuld has hit .313 and has stolen six stolen bases. Since starting in the departed Manny Ramirez‘ place, the Tampa Bay Rays are 3-2 with a short sweep of the Boston Red Sox, outscoring them by a 2-1 ratio.
Keep in mind that the Red Sox were the team everyone picked to win it all and the Rays represented the team everyone picked to fall off the map. Everyone except the fantasy analysts of ESPN.
Who’s talking fantasy now?
Right now Fuld and center fielder B.J. Upton (.282) are the top producers in the Tampa Bay lineup, with Johnny Damon starting to hit his stride (5 for 9 5RBI), and even Felipe Lopez providing some help as well.
However, what’s really important is that star third baseman Evan Longoria should be back in a couple weeks and should team up with emerging Rays star Sam Fuld.
The good news for the Rays is that their bullpen is holding their own right now. Only one reliever has given up three runs, no more than that.
Keep in mind that some of the runs given up were from the Boston beat down last Monday.
Most relievers are more likely to give up a few runs because there is no pressure when given a ten run lead. The starting rotation is starting to fix itself as well.
Right now the Rays are in prime position to blow through the rest of April and get a huge shot in the arm with the return of Evan Longoria.
This weekend they have the Minnesota Twins, a 4-7 team experiencing some pitching problems, the Chicago White Sox, who according to Ozzie Guillien, have no closer, the Toronto Blue Jays, who are likely their toughest upcoming opponent, and the Twins again.
There are so many things that can happen to the Tampa Rays going in, but there is still hope for the slow starting team from the Trop.
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