Tampa Bay Rays Still a Top 5 AL Pennant Contender Despite Being Swept by Red Sox

• The Tampa Bay Rays lead the AL East
• The Rays were swept by the Boston Red Sox over the weekend and have now lost four games in a row
• The Houston Astros are favored to win the AL and have yet to lose a game at home this season
  

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Winter is coming.

For the Tampa Bay Rays, it’s not just an awesome line from Game of Thrones, winter is coming in the form of the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and other American League contenders.

2019 American League Pennant Odds

*Odds taken 04/22/19

The Rays were off to an awesome start in 2019 but just suffered a sweep at the hands of the defending World Series Champions and have now lost four in a row.

The cold streak has resulted in a change in the MLB Pennant odds and really, for my money, has eliminated them as a contender in the American League. That may seem harsh, but I think it’s time to move on and take a look at two more serious options to represent the AL in the World Series.

But we’re not listening…
#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/vcRXhZEeWB

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 13, 2019

Houston Astros are Favorites for a Reason

The Houston Astros have yet to lose at home and currently sit one game back of the Seattle Mariners for top spot in the AL West. Jose Altuve is leading the way offensively with eight home runs and 17 RBI, and teammate George Springer has also been dominant with seven homers and 18 RBI. With multiple stars at the plate to go along with a great pitching staff, the Astros are elite all over the diamond. To nobody’s surprise Justin Verlander has been the best pitcher for Houston, racking up 38 strikeouts in 30 innings while owning a 3-0 record.

Unofficial #Astros marketing spokesperson, @ABREG_1: pic.twitter.com/uv239LKDN7

— Houston Astros (@astros) April 20, 2019

Houston doesn’t really have a weakness, and when you stack their lineup against the Rays, it’s tough to make the case how Tampa Bay would compete in a seven-game playoff series. The Astros are listed as the favorites in the AL for a reason, and would be as good a bet as any to represent that side in the World Series.

Can the Red Sox Repeat as Champs?

The Red Sox were horrible out of the gate but seem to be turning the corner. They are now 9-13 after three straight wins against the Rays and could be a threat in the playoffs.  Almost the entire cast from last season’s championship team is back, minus closer Craig Kimbrel, and there’s no reason to discount them as a contender.

Another day at the office for @DAVIDprice24. pic.twitter.com/Dhn3qxfznh

— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 22, 2019

David Price has a 3.75 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in the early going and while other Red Sox starters haven’t put up great numbers, it’s easy to believe that over a 162 game slate they’ll rebound.

Things aren’t much different at the dish.  Mookie Betts and JD Martinez have been just okay, while Mitch Moreland leads the way with seven home runs and 14 RBI. Before long expect Boston’s two MVP candidates to catch up and ultimately lead the team. They definitely dug themselves a hole at the beginning of the year, but should they catch up and earn a wild card birth they’ll absolutely be feared come playoff time. The fact you can get +600 to bet on the defending champions should be seen as a blessing and a great value opportunity.