It’s all about those glasses. These aren’t rose-colored glasses or Drew Carey glasses. They are just plain old Joe Maddon glasses. But these glasses have a story. They (and Maddon, I guess) have led Tampa Bay to the top spot in the American League East - ahead of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Before we get into this story of the Rays and their amazing run this season, I have to say that Maddon’s glasses are very similar to Lisa Loeb’s.

Now back to baseball. Tampa Bay has a magic number! Sure, this organization is used to having a number associated with their team, but it’s usually an elimination number and that usually popped up back in June or July. But this team, this season has a magic number and that number is 10. The Rays are that much closer to their first ever appearance in the playoffs. And the organization should thank the glasses. Not just any glasses, but the Joe Maddon’s glasses.

Maddon is a no-doubter for manager of the year in AL. Heck, give him an ESPY. Maybe he should get the Clemente Award too. Sure, he’s not eligible since that award is for players that have a positive influence on the community, but look what Maddon has done! His team is bringing fans to Tropicana Field. That’s not an easy thing to do in Florida.

Tampa Bay has been a surprise this season because of several reasons, but mainly because they are young and a small-market club. The Rays are without a player that is a household name in most areas of the country. This team isn’t flashy. They don’t overpower you. But what they do well is play hard - all game. They also have had outstanding pitching and timely hitting to bring them all the way to this point - which is 90 wins and sitting at the top of the AL East standings.

This young team, managed by Maddon, is sure to be party crashers when the 2008 postseason rolls around in a couple of weeks. And it’s all because of those glasses.

Image: Newscom

Today’s New York Times is running a story about Joba Chamberlain, where Joe Girardi is talking about being his friend, not his manager, and Joba’s dad says that his son is ready to be a starter.

This is turning into a soap opera. I know Chamberlain is a very good young pitcher. I know that he has a special bond with his father and calls him his inspiration. But haven’t we heard enough already?

According to the New York Times, Girardi told Chamberlain, “I’m not your manager, I’m your friend. Is this what you want to do?” I’m sorry. I didn’t know that players were able to choose if they wanted to be a starter or reliever. I thought that was up to the manager and the front office staff; putting a pitcher in a role that will help the team. Sure, Chamberlain has great numbers at the minor league level as a starter, but are they good enough for the big leagues? As a reliever, no question about it. But, as a starter? Sounds like we will see soon enough.

Chamberlain’s dad was quoted as saying, “Joba likes challenges, and if he didn’t feel he could do it, he would tell you.

“It’s just another step toward his dream — to be a starting pitcher on the biggest stage in major league baseball, and that’s for the New York Yankees. He’s ready to take the next step.”

That’s the seal of approval… his dad said he’s ready, so Girardi, you better put him in to start… now! I’m glad that Girardi and Chamberlain’s dad are on the same page, however, some of the players on the New York Yankees roster are not.

After hearing about the news from a reporter, Derek Jeter said the following: “You could have the best starting pitching in the world, but if the bullpen doesn’t do the job, you waste the start. But if you have the best bullpen in the world and the starters don’t do the job, how does that help?”

Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi also had thoughts on the matter, with Damon telling reporters, “We’ll just have to see how it pans out.”

Well, surprise! Not everyone is happy in the Bronx. Well, except for Chamberlain and his dad. I’ll be watching Chamberlain as Girardi takes his time easing the young right-hander into a starting role. Maybe this will be the right button to push to make the Yankees go in the other direction and climb out of the American League East cellar. Then again, it could always backfire and Chamberlain could become the next young flamethrower to turn into a one-year wonder or a no-name pitcher (see Rick Ankiel, Mark Prior and Scott Erickson).

Photo: Newscom

It’s time to restore the universe to order! At least, Hank Steinbrenner thinks the New York Yankees will go on a hot streak shortly with the return of third baseman Alex Rodriguez to the lineup. Steinbrenner’s Yankees are in last place in the American League East with a 20-24 overall record. Everyone watched Sunday night as the New York Mets drubbed the hapless Yanks 11-2 on ESPN in Yankee Stadium.

“You don’t have the best lineup in baseball and then just in the offseason lose it all,” Steinbrenner told reporters in Tampa, while catching some of the Single-A Tampa Yankees game. “Somebody is going to start hitting at some point, it’s going to be more than one, and they’ll start putting it together.”

I thought the Detroit Tigers had the best offensive lineup in baseball? Either way, both teams are struggling and should the Yankees not get going in the right direction, you can bet heads will roll. I think we can go ahead and put the countdown on for Brian Cashman and the days he has left with the Yankees.

Just last week, Steinbrenner told the New York Post, “We’ve got to forget about all the injuries and start playing our butts off.”

That was just before the Mets spanked the Yankees’ butts over the weekend. And while the Yankees struggle finding their way, the Boston Red Sox continue their winning ways and increasing their AL East lead, which as of this morning is at six and one-half games over the last-place Yanks.

For now, we can count on Steinbrenner opening his mouth and talking about how great his team should be, but not long from now I’m predicting a George Steinbrenner-like outburst that costs Cashman his job. As for the Yankees, they will eventually move out of the cellar, but I don’t think fans in the Bronx should expect to see the postseason this year. And the only hot streak we will see from anyone on the Yankees is the impressive lineup of ex-and-current girlfriends of shortstop Derek Jeter.

Photo: Newscom