"Price check" in the AL East...

   The Rays, with a payroll of $43-mill, are two steps closer to winning the division over the defending champion Red Sox and their $133-million payroll.

   The Rays -- behind rookie pitcher David Price -- beat Baltimore 4-2.

   And the Red Sox make it a "perfect storm" by losing to Cleveland 4-3.

   Price opened with 4 hitless innings.  He ends up giving up 4 hits into the 6th, one earned run and strikes out 3.  Price was extremely effective in his first major league start. And remember he never threw a professional pitch at any level until earlier this season.

   The Price is Right...

   The Rays now have a doubleheader Tuesday in Baltimore.

   Boston takes on Cleveland again at Fenway.  But Tuesday, the Red Sox have to face Cliff Lee and his 22-2 record.

   Another "perfect storm" and the Rays could clinch as early as Wednesday.

  Al Keck