Joe Maddon believes his Rays will play better than ever now that the Rays have clinched a playoff spot.

  They may have to.  The Rays have 8 games in 7 days.  And Boston is only a game-and-a-half back.

  You are talking four games at Baltimore, followed by four more at Detroit.

  Baltimore may be last in the AL East, but they are playing for jobs. 

  Detroit has had a disappointing 2008 after major hopes coming out of spring training.  And the Rays will have to face all-star Justin Verlander in the series opener.

  Maddon must get his team rested and ready for the playoffs, while also chasing a division crown. 

  Is Percival ready to close in the playoffs?

  Will Kazmir, Shields and Garza be the playoff starters?  If so, what happens to Sonnanstine?  He may be the Rays best starting pitcher over the last three weeks.

  The Rays facinate me because there is a new hero every night.  Carlos Pena is hot.  Evan Longoria is healthy and he's shown the bigger the stage, the better he is.

  Jason Bartlett is plahying like an all-star caliber shortstop.

  And Maddon knows Zobrist, Gross, Floyd and Aybar understand their roles and give the Rays as much depth as any team in the playoffs.

  Don't be surprised if Rays fans have smiles bigger than Jack O' Laterns come Halloween.

  Al Keck