It wasn't the best way to begin the second half for the Tampa Bay Rays, but they are beginning to turn things around. 

Entering Friday, the team is 59-43, just 2 games ahead of the New York Yankees for the AL East lead with plenty of baseball left.

On this week's Rays Roundtable, we discuss some of the biggest talking points regarding the MLB Trade Deadline and what the Rays must accomplish before August 3rd. 

Michael Brauner: They still have an opportunity to seize the division and put themselves in the best spot possible to compete for an American League pennant. If they believe they are good enough in an AL that's still wide open for the taking, aggressive moves are an absolute must.

Christian Rauh: I think there is plenty of pressure on Erica Neander and the Rays front office. The team's young stars like Junior Caminero are shining, their veterans like Yandy Diaz are continuing to show they are slept on, and the rotation is clearly overachieving. You can't let that go to waste. Add in the potential threat of a salary cap next year, the Rays must do everything they can this deadline.

MB: As wonderful as Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller, or CJ Abrams would be, they do not fall into the category of "most realistic", and while a surprise blockbuster like that is possible, the most realistic target is someone like Luis Arráez from the San Francisco Giants.

CR: I have to keep the same energy I have had for the last month or so now. Luis Arraez is the best fit for the Tampa Bay Rays. He fills a need for more depth in the middle infield, but most importantly, he gives the lineup the most consistent and trusted bat in baseball.

MB: It's still tough to see Boston being super aggressive, but after winning 14 in a row, all bets are off there. The Yankees will unquestionably make some moves and have made deadline splashes like Jazz Chisholm. Many of the targets Tampa has been linked to — Miller, Hunter Goodman, others — are guys New York has been connected to as well. Whoever is more aggressive could define the rest of the season.

CR: Well, there are some reports that the Red Sox are now planning on being buyers, which means they believe in their squad despite firing their manager. The Yankees are the interesting ones to me. Do they buy heavy and hope they can coast into the postseason until Aaron Judge is ready, or do they play it safe? I lean toward them having an underwhelming deadline.