| Power Rankings |
| Date | Ranking | Previous |
| 07/22/2008 | 4 | 1 |
| I don't care if they reclaimed pole position in the AL East over the weekend. They're still 2-8 in their past 10, and hardly against imposing competition ... Troy Percival's return gives the relief corps more depth and veteran moxietudinousness and all, but Grant Balfour ought to be given first shot at the late-game outs that matter. |
| 07/09/2008 | 1 | 1 |
| They could have had either Sabathia or Harden if they wanted -- they have the prospects to get anyone they want -- which could mean a big trade for a bat or some bullpen arms will come before July 31. Starting pitching just isn't a No. 1 priority, especially when you have a David Price waiting in the wings. |
| 07/01/2008 | 1 | 4 |
| This is a first in CBSSports.com history: the Rays atop this list. It won't be a last either, especially if they decide to capitalize on their 'new money' and use their great farm system to corner the market on the trade deadline acquisitions. The young talent did its job in the first half and now the ball is in the GM's court to pounce. |
| 06/24/2008 | 4 | 5 |
| A solid homestand ended with a disappointing series loss to the lowly Astros, but you have to like their having swept both Chicago teams, the Angels and the Red Sox. Those are good teams they are laying to waste. |
| 06/18/2008 | 5 | 5 |
| There is no wonder reports of Ken Griffey's interest in Tampa Bay surfaced recently. They are a real good ballclub capable of standing the test of time. A veteran presence might be all that is missing. |
| 06/10/2008 | 5 | 2 |
| You have to give them credit for their feistiness. They have managed to brawl with the Yankees (in spring training) and Red Sox already. Nothing like taking it right to your top competition. It would have looked a lot better if they didn't get swept in Boston, though. |
| 06/03/2008 | 2 | 2 |
| They have a decent case for the No. 1 overall ranking, but the Cubs are just a bit hotter right now. Tampa gets its big chance to state its case in Boston in this three-game set. |
| 05/27/2008 | 2 | 8 |
| Whoda thunk this? Quite deserving of this lofty spot. They are 23-9 since April 17, the best mark in baseball, and they are just the second team in 105 years to have the best record at Memorial Day a year after they finished with the league's worst mark. They joined the 1903 New York Giants. |
| 05/20/2008 | 8 | 10 |
| When we placed them in the top 10, a first in this writer's history of rankings, we thought it could have led to a market correction. Nope. They can really pitch (eight-best ERA in baseball at 3.73). |
| 05/13/2008 | 10 | 14 |
| This is a talented, young team -- especially in the rotation and defense up the middle. We might be ready to predict this will be their first .500 season in franchise history. They have only reached 70 wins once (2004). |
