The Rays are 6-4 L10. The bad news: they have scored just 9 runs in their last 4 games, all vs. the Yankees. The good news: the Rays’ pitching staff held the Bronx Bombers to just 5 runs in 3 games.

The Rangers have won 4 of 5 games, scoring 28 runs in their 4 game series against the A’s. An obvious observation, the A’s aren’t the Yankees; a much tougher series faces the Rangers, starting on Monday.

Rasmussen is first up for the Rays. At 5-1, with an ERA of 2.68, he has had a successful start to his season. He had a stretch of 5 starts where he gave up 1 run or less, before yielding 3 runs in his last start. If there is any complaint against Rasmussen, it is that he doesn’t pitch much past the fifth inning. This is not such a concern when you have the Rays’ bullpen.

Glen Otto starts for the Rangers. He pitched well in his last two starts after being shelled by the Red Sox. Otto gives up a fair number of base on balls, and has not pitched well at home to date. He does not throw for length either, but has also had a solid season.

The Rangers have out-hit the Rays lately, and while the Rays are no powerhouse this year, one has, again, to consider the teams’ recent opposition. The Rangers’ relievers have been sharp lately, but I’ll take the Rays’ bullpen any day. Tampa Bay is a perennially well coached team. If there is one thing I have learned the hard way, “all things being even close to equal, always take the Rays.” I am wagering on the Rays on Monday.