If you're following the Rays in the pennant race, then you're also following the Red Sox and the Yankees. And there was troubling news for both of those teams coming out of Monday's games.

Boston DH David Ortiz, expected to carry an even larger load following the trade of Manny Ramirez, may be having further problems with the left wrist that kept him sidelined for nearly two months.

And Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain left the game with what at the least is being described as stiffness in his right shoulder and likely to force him to miss one start, and could have a serious impact on their chances.

Then there's this entertaining passage from ESPN.com, with reseacher Mark Simon coming up with  parallels between the '69 Mets and the '08 Rays:

How are the 2008 Rays similar to the 1969 Mets?

On the 1969 Mets, the ace starter was 24-year-old Tom Seaver
On the 2008 Rays, the ace starter is 24-year-old Scott Kazmir
The 1969 Mets had a 61-101 record 2 years prior to winning the World Series (1967)
The 2008 Rays had a 61-101 record 2 years ago (2006)
The 1969 Mets had a closer, Ron Taylor, who had won a World Series (1964)
The 2008 Rays have a closer, Troy Percival, who has won a World Series (2002)
The 1969 Mets were 53-39 at the All-Star break
The 2008 Rays were 55-39 at the All-Star break
The 1969 Mets manager had a 3-letter first name (Gil) and a 6-letter last name (Hodges)
The 2008 Rays manager has a 3-letter first name (Joe) and a 6-letter last name (Maddon)
The 1969 Mets had a rookie as their primary third baseman (Wayne Garrett)
The 2008 Rays have a rookie as their primary third baseman (Evan Longoria)

Also, the Rays made a move with a middle infielder, trading Andy Cannizaro to Cleveland for cash considerations. Cannizaro hit .240 in 51 games for Triple-A Durham, and appeared in one game, May 3, for the Rays.