As the season progresses, we're going to continue to look at each division around Major League Baseball and break them down and try to really get to the bottom of who is a contender and who is not.
Over the next week, we'll take a look at each division around the league with the simple question: Legit or fraud?
Tampa Bay Rays
Record: 27-13
Biggest Surprise: Everything about the Rays has been a surprise. When the season began, the expectations for Tampa Bay certainly were low. The Rays certainly seemed like they would finish near the bottom of the standings. Right now, the Rays are in first place in the division.
MVP: Nick Martinez — The veteran has been excellent for the Rays so far this season. He has a 1.70 ERA in eight starts. It's hard to ask for much more out of a guy.
One Sentence: The Rays weren't expected to be among the top teams in baseball heading into the season, but here we are. Tampa Bay, like the New York Yankees, are the only teams that look like legit contenders.
Legit or fraud? Legit, for now.
Other AL East Breakdowns: