The Jays open up a three series with the Tampa Bay Devils Rays tonight, a team that usually gives the Jays trouble. When looking at the standings as of today, 14 of the next 17 games are against teams that have a sub .500 record: Tampa Bay (22-32), four games at Baltimore (25-29), three in Toronto against Detroit (36-18), four in Toronto against Baltimore (25-29) and three in Florida (17-34).

They have the opportunity to catch/pass Boston (2.5 games behind), if they beat these weaker teams. Boston has a much tougher schedule coming up: three at Detroit, four at NY Yankees, three at home against Texas, and three at both Minnesota and Atlanta.

The Jays are also behind the Yankees, by 2 games. The Yankees upcoming schedule looks easy when looking at team records as well, 2 of the 5 series against teams over .500, and Cleveland is just one game over .500. But Cleveland is playing well (winning 6 of 7), especially with C.C. Sabathia back in the rotation. Oakland is below .500, but has one 5 of the 7 games. One thing working against the Yankees, is injuries. Already without Matsui, Sheffield was just placed on the DL and might be gone for the season, and Jeter and Riveria are battling ailments as well.