Evaluating Strength of Schedule: Rays, Red Sox, Yankees

 

Who you play is just as important as how you play. Through the first half of the season, the top three teams in the American League East have played very different schedules. 

The Tampa Bay Rays have been quite a surprise this season, having posted a 51-32 record through yesterday. Even more impressive, though, is the fact that they have played an incredibly difficult schedule. The Rays have played 68 of their 83 games against teams who currently have records of .500 or better. The Rays have played extremely well in these games, going 42-26, while going 9-6 in their games against teams with records below .500. The Rays have yet to play the Cleveland Indians or Kansas City Royals this season, and have played the Seattle Mariners only three times. more...