I know.  Your beginning to get those negative vibes since the Rays have lost four in a row.  Here's the way I see it, and certainly invite your opinion.

     Throughout this season, the Rays have found a way to brother-in-law their way to where they are.  Pitching was sensational, with little to no help from the lineup.  Or visa vera.  Their defense has been absolutely spectaular at times, and at least on five or six occassions, won games.  As of late, all the above components have hit a rough patch.  Hey, it happens, even to the best of teams.  However, I'm certain the Rays front office see what I've just brought to your attention, and will make adjustments accordingly before the July 31 trade deadline.

     There was is one marketable missing element to this team that has helped this slump develop.  That's losing Jason Bartlett to the DL.  In the past two weeks, he was doing it all.  And then bang, a slide into third puts him out for 15.  Would Bartlett have thrown that errant ball to first that could have ended the Indians 5th inning?   Instead of a 2-2 game, one run scored, and by the time the inning was over, five total runs. 

     As far as the lineup, heading into yesterday's loss to the Indians, the Rays were 2 for 28 with runners in scoring position.  That is totally unacceptable, and needs to be addressed, and will be addressed.

     Good news is, the All-Star break is coming.  The Rays need it.  Couldn't come at a better time   Remember, no matter what happens before the break, the Rays will be in great postiion.  They entered Cleveland against a team that was on a 10 game losing streak.  Timing couldn't be worst.  Law of averages says so. 

     So let's just take a deep breath.  See what happens the rest of the Indians series, and then wait to see what moves the Rays make before the deadline, if they can afford to do it.

    Tom Korun