On this date in 2008, the Rays took control of sole possession of first place in the AL East for the first time in franchise history. It took an extra innings walk-off win against the Yankees coupled with a Red Sox loss to the Orioles. The win also marked the first time Tampa Bay was seven games over .500 in a season. They, of course, went on to their first AL pennant and World Series appearance later that season.
Here are this week's batch of links, which break franchise records in their own individual ways…
- Sodo Mojo wrote at length about the Mariners and their strategy for next month's amateur draft.
- Brotherly Glove tackled the idea of a contract extension for Cole Hamels.
- Amazin' Avenue broke down the Mets' 2012 payroll obligations with respect to Jose Reyes.
- Wahoo Blues, meanwhile, explored the possibility of the Indians trading for Reyes.
- Motor City Bengals explained why David Wright will not be traded to the Tigers.
- Rising Apple called Taylor Buchholz an unlikely trade chip.
- The Shea Faithful obsessed over the Mets' last roster spot, saying it's time they part ways with Chin-lung Hu.
- NatsGM says the Gregor Blanco trade likely won't have much of an impact, but was a solid depth move for the Nationals nonetheless.
- Bay City Ball tries to figure out who should get playing time in the Giants' outfield.
- FanSpeak thinks it's time for Bryce Harper to move up a level in the minor leagues.
- True Grich says that even though Kendrys Morales is out for the year, it's Jeff Mathis that really has to go.
- Twins Territory Talk wonders if Carl Pavano was a bad investment.
- Capitol Avenue Club details Jair Jurrjens' new approach.
- Through The Fence Baseball is looking for the real Mat Latos.
- Royals Review came up with a way to quantify the Royals' grit.
- The Outside Corner takes a look at Raul Ibanez's continued decline.
- Fenway Faithful Report wonders if Jose Iglesias is the next Rey Ordonez.
- Cubbies Crib says the Cubs have reasons to be concerned about Tyler Colvin.
- Bronx Bombers Report wonders if the Yankees and White Sox match up for a trade involving a starting pitcher.
- Replacement Level Baseball scouts the Pirates' broadcasters.
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