Looking back at the start of spring training, there optimism about this team. We knew we had an outstanding starting rotation, and the front office had gotten us some hitters who could ensure that we would no longer lose every game 2-1. The bullpen we knew would be spotty, but with aces like Archer and Smyly giving us quality starts night after night, how much would that matter?
That optimism only peaked when PECOTA, the usually flawless projection system, predicted the Rays to run away with the division.
Sadly, this has not happened and today, two weeks before the All Star break, the division leaders fading from our view.