5. Tampa Bay Rays
It seems almost criminal that the Tampa Bay Rays are this far back on the futures board at the halfway point of the season. Sitting just 5.5 back of an AL wild-card berth and having made the playoffs in five straight seasons, the betting price doesn't match the Rays' playoff prospects.
Tampa Bay has recently shifted gears, winning seven of nine series ahead of the All-Star break and starting to get better production both offensively and from its pitchers. Over the past month, their OPS has jumped to .740, a far cry from their .681 season-long benchmark. Likewise, their team ERA has fallen from 4.20 to 3.35,
Consider these analogous positions. Tampa Bay is 5.5 back in the wild card race and priced as distant +15000 longshots. The Houston Astros need to make up 1.0 games in the AL West or 3.5 games in the wild card race and are a much less compelling +2000.
The Rays are the definition of value and should see their price tumble after the break as they look to extend their playoff streak.
