It's virtually impossible to criticize Tampa Bay for the way it played in the first two games of the ALDS against the White Sox. After all the talk about a lack of postseason experience, the Rays have looked like seasoned veterans in steamrolling to a 2-0 series edge over Chicago.The most frightening thing about Tampa Bay right now isn't its talent, its depth or the fact that it's been totally unfazed by the October spotlight, it's the fact that it hasn't even begun to play its best baseball yet.
The Rays have had good situational hitting and tremendous relief pitching so far, but consider all the things that haven't gone perfectly for them.
Carlos Pena has only played a few innings in the series because of a fluke eye injury that is affecting his vision. Game 1 starter James Shields surrendered a homer to Dewayne Wise, three runs in all and was spared further damage thanks to Grant Balfour who rescued him from a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the seventh inning.
Scott Kazmir looked even shakier Friday night, at least early on. He was fortunate to escape the first inning having only allowed two runs, and he was inefficient -- piling up a high enough pitch count that he was unable to get out of the sixth inning.
Pena's injury isn't serious. You have to think he'll be back in the lineup on Sunday in Chicago. Shields will likely make his next start at Tropicana Field, whether it's in Game 5 of the ALDS or the opener of the ALCS. He had a 2.59 ERA there in 2008, so you have to think he'll be sharper next time out. And then there's Kazmir. He had a terrible September and an even worse start to Game 2, but once he settled down he seemed to get into a groove. He could be better next time out.
Three of the Rays' most important players have yet to really get going in October and already they're one win away from the ALCS. The remaining playoff teams should be worried about what happens once they start rolling.
