MLB: 5 teams that will be in the 2015 postseason mix

Jun 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate first baseman Anthony Rizzo (not pictured) walk-off two run homer against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Miami Marlins 5-3 in 13 innings .Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays haven’t been dreadful this season but they haven’t come close to what was expected of them going into the 2014 season. They were supposed to be big time contenders.

The season began a complete mess, with some players just getting healthy, like Alex Cobb and Chris Archer. Evan Longoria has started hitting the long ball again but the Ray have too much to overcome this season.

Early on they lost their ace starter Matt Moore to the Tommy John surgery epidemic and starter Jeremy Hellickson to an elbow injury. The Rays also lost last season’s American League Rookie of the Year Wil Meyers for around 70 games after a collision with teammate Desmond Jennings in the outfield.

They signed All-Star closer Grant Balfour over the off-season to strengthen their bullpen and he struggled so mightily that he was soon removed from his role. The Rays have been going with a closer by committee approach since without much luck.

What’s really killed the Rays is their offense. Almost everyone in their lineup from Ben Zobrist to Evan Longoria to David De Jesus began the season not hitting at all and while their offense has improved over the course of the summer it still isn’t where it should be.

Next year the Rays should have the same group of core players who, if they rise and play to their potential, will be competitive in the 2015 season.

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