SCOUTING REPORT: The Red Sox have been the most impressive team in the American League, posting a 12-6 record that includes a weekend sweep of the Yankees in New York.
And that's without several key pieces, such as shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and rightfielder Trot Nixon.
The Rays always seem to have problems with the Sox, because they don't have the heavy hitters to keep up or the power arms to shut Boston down.
Manny Ramirez, who always blisters the Rays, is off to a hot start, but most of their early success has been a team effort, with contributions from everyone such as regulars Jason Varitek and David Ortiz to journeymen such as Dave McCarty, Cesar Crespo and Mark Bellhorn.
The offense has been good enough because the pitching has been great, with a stellar rotation led by Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling, Derek Lowe and Tim Wakefield finally backed by a dependable bullpen anchored by 2003 AL saves leader Keith Foulke. Boston relievers haven't allowed a run in eight games, a span of 242/3 innings.
CONNECTIONS: Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo was a star at Hernando High. ... Reliever Mark Malaska and reserve Dave McCarty are former Rays. ... Reliever Mike Timlin lives in Oldsmar. ... Rays senior adviser Don Zimmer managed the Sox from 1976-80 and also was a coach there. ... First-base coach Billy Hatcher used to play for Sox, and bench coach John McLaren was on their staff in 1991.
SEASON SERIES: The Sox lead 61-33 overall and 30-16 at Fenway Park, winning 23 of the past 32.
