Rays Round-up: On the edge of panic

In case you haven't noticed, the Rays are in last place.  Not only that, they've assured themselves of a below .500 April.  And in the monster that is the AL East, it could be a tough hole to climb out of.  For this team to turn it around, a win streak is in order.  And it starts with one game in Minnesota tonight.  Last year at this time, we could be accepting of an April like this. Now, we're spoiled.  We want the chase for the pennant.  This team is too talented for anything else.  My hand is hovering over the panic button.  It's going to take a real nice series against the Twins to move it away.

Here's a look at some of the stories around the web this morning.  As always, my comments in italics:

- The Minneapolis Star-Tribune wrote a nice little preview article on the Rays this morning.  It's always good to get an outside opinion of your team.  The author doesn't believe the Rays are in trouble after 19 games, but he believes they're having trouble dealing with expectations.

- Pitcher Andy Sonnanstine calls his performance embarrassing.  Thanks for the great self-evaluation Sonny.  You look like you're pitching batting practice out there.  Get it together or the Red Sox are going to eat you up!

- Rays are making what could be their final trip to the Metrodome. The Trop is becoming the last of a dying a breed.  The old school dome's are disappearing one at a time.  

- Just in case you're wondering, Boston is looking real scary right now. The Red Sox have taken control of their own destiny.  The Rays will have the opportunity to do the same later this week. Let's just hope they can put this mess behind them and return to form at Tropicana Field.