Rays Called Potential 'Playoff Frauds' Despite Leading American League

Are the Tampa Bay Rays set up to actually go deep in the MLB postseason? 

Not everyone thinks so. 

In fact, some believe Tampa Bay is the "playoff fraud" based on how they've performed so far this season. 

In a recent review of the updated AL East forecast and playoff predictions heading into September, Bleacher Report discusses how Tampa Bay can be seen as both a contender and a pretender. 

And although the team has led the AL East division for nearly the entire season, the reasoning behind why they could be seen as "contenders" Is what stood out the most.

All good teams have a habit of beating up on less-good teams, but it still stands out that the Rays are a modest 29-23 against winning clubs and 25-20 against their AL East foes. Put them in a fair fight, and they're vulnerable," said B/R writer Zachary D. Rymer. "The Rays also have 'Playoff frauds!' written all over them. The long ball rules in October, and they have gotten just 101 home runs from hitters not named Caminero."

The wording might be bold, but honestly, he makes a solid point. 

Heading into the MLB trade deadline, one of Tampa Bay's biggest issues was its lack of power outside its star slugger. However, things are starting to shift in the right direction for the Rays' batting order. 

The addition of Liam Hicks, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins to bolster the middle of the lineup and also the catching position, has certainly changed that narrative when it comes to searching for more power outside Junior Caminero.

But even with his addition, it could still be seen as not enough. 

During the recent slumps for Tampa Bay following their 9-0 road trip, the Rays' bottom of the order has been lackluster, to say the least. Not only has power not been present, but also the ability to get on the basepaths to set up the top of the order has been a huge issue and concern. 

Despite all these issues, the team still sits atop the American League and currently is set to be the number one seed when the postseason begins in just over one month. 

Once the playoffs begin, every team starts from scratch, and each franchise must win the same amount of games in order to be crowned the World Series champion. It all depends on if Tampa Bay can put it all together during that stretch.

Can the pitching rotation get the job done? Can the bullpen shorten games for Kevin Cash and his crew? Can the power show up for the batting order? Can the full 1-through-9 lineup do its job? That's asking a lot, but it's also asking the same of every other team that will be there.