NEW YORK: The Tampa Bay Rays have turned the American League upside down, rebounding from the worst record in the major leagues last year to the best mark so far this season and are dreaming of their first postseason action.

Tampa, 66-96 last year, fell to 55-34 after losing to the Yankees on Tuesday but still hold a three-game lead over World Series champion Boston in the AL East. The Yankees trail the perennial cellar-dwellers by eight games in the loss column.

"There are a few more reporters in our clubhouse than normal at this time," Rays manager Joe Maddon said before Tuesday's game against the Yankees.