The Tampa Bay Rays finished as the best team in the American League to not make the playoffs after a complete overhaul of their roster last offseason and a rash of injuries that left their pitching staff decimated.
After a painstakingly long five years, the Rays finally reaped the awards of their so-called rebuild, which consisted of amassing youth in their farm system while maintaining the appearance of a team that wanted to compete.
The Rays no longer need to maintain the appearance of a team that wants to compete because, now they are a team that can compete.