So the thinking is that the Rays will suffer a letdown after winning a crucial series with Boston, get swept by a desperate Twins team and then go on the road and stumble, allowing Boston to pass them by.

Possible, but unlikely.

First, a look at the standings:

Angels: 92-59
Rays: 90-60
Red Sox: 89-63
White Sox: 84-67
Twins: 82-70
Blue Jays: 81-71
Yankees: 81-71

Forget the Rays letdown. They have too much to play for (and, as they say, good pitching rarely slumps). With two wins against Minnesota, Tampa Bay could clinch its first-ever playoff berth in front of the home fans.

Plus, the Rays are still gunning for the best record in the AL (1 1/2 games behind the Angels) ... And the Twins are not a good road team (33-44).

The Rays could be popping corks by Friday ... The Red Sox, who are off today, may be sipping bubbly by Saturday.

With the Twins losing their fourth straight on Wednesday, Boston's magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 4 (combination of Twins losses and Red Sox wins).

Of course, Boston can still catch Tampa Bay. Here are their remaining schedules:

TAMPA BAY (12 games): 4 games home (Twins), 4 games at Baltimore, 4 games at Detroit.
BOSTON (10 games): 3 games at Toronto, 7 games home (4 vs. Cleveland; 3 vs. Yankees)

How did the Rays get in this position? Not only has their starting pitching been superb, but the bullpen is dependable.

NOTE: Boston lost the season series 10-8 to Tampa Bay. Boston's starters went 10-5 vs. the Rays (Lester 3-0, Beckett 2-1, Matsuzaka 1-0, Buchholz 1-1, Masterson 1-1, Wakefield 0-2). The relievers were 0-5 (Timlin 0-2, Papelbon 0-1, Masterson 0-1, Hansen 0-1).

In close games, Tampa Bay's bullpen came through.

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