Pitching Log-Jam: Will The Rays Make a Move Before the Deadline?

The Tampa Bay Rays have been surging through the AL East standings of late, winners of eight of their last 10 and went 19-7 in the month of June. Now the question remains are they peaking to early or playing up to their potential? And if they are peaking too early how do they become better. Analysts on ESPN, Fox Sports, and Sports Illustrated believe the Rays do not have enough to compete with Boston and New York, barring a move before the trade deadline. It is suspected both Boston and New York will get better, thus the Rays also need to get better.  There are two potential problem spots for the Rays, right field and relief pitching. Three weeks ago relief pitching would have been the obvious spot for this trade but now it seems as if those problems have been corrected, moving up to fifth in the MLB in reliever ERA. JP Howell seems to be fitting into the closer role and relievers such as Choate and Bradford are coming off of the DL. Also the acquisition of Winston Abreu makes this a ... (link)