The Tampa Bay — no longer Devil — Rays are going to the World Series.

Wait. Let me say that again.

The Rays — who play in the same division as the mighty New York Yankees and defending World Champion Boston Red Sox — are advancing to the World Series. I’m really not joking.

How could this happen?

Seven months ago, most baseball followers would have laughed in your face if you told them that the Rays would contend for the playoffs this season.

“The American League East,” one might have chuckled, “is just a playground for the Yanks and Sox.”

Of course, you can’t really blame them. At the beginning of the season, New York and Boston were arguably the two most talented teams in the league on paper, and easily should have dominated their division. But how, then, did the Rays get to where they are today?

It’s all about teamwork.

With its 162-game schedule spanning from April to late September, baseball is considered by many to be one of the most grueling professional sports.

Because of the constant traveling and ups-and-downs that are sure to occur throughout the season, a team’s chemistry plays a large role in its success.

Rays manager Joe Maddon has done an outstanding job bringing his players together this season.

In a league that favors big plays and big names, the Rays have earned success by adhering to Maddon’s simple “small ball” technique.

This strategy focuses on the team playing as a unit, rallying in runs rather than belting homers and utilizing a deep bullpen to close games instead of putting all the pressure on a single closer.

The Rays didn’t have any individual standouts on its team this year; no player placed in the top five of any major hitting or pitching category in the AL.

But as a team, the Rays had the third lowest earned run average (ERA) in the majors (3.82) and were in the top half of the league in runs scored.

These factors, coupled with outstanding defense, smart base-running and great managing, spelled the recipe for Tampa’s success.

Something that is important to realize about the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays is that their key players are relatively unknown. Most people still probably recall the latest episode of Desperate Housewives rather than think of the Rays third baseman upon hearing the name “Evan Longoria.” The lack of big names on Tampa Bay’s roster is most evident when analyzing the team’s payroll.

The Rays’ $43.5 million team salary is less than half of the league average and makes them second to only the Florida Marlins as the lowest paid team in the entire league. Divisional opponents Boston and New York have the highest payrolls in the MLB, at $133.5 and $209 million, respectively.

Their low expectations — and salaries — fed the underdog mentality that has fueled their success all season. After ending Boston’s playoff run, the Rays have now proven that they are the best team in the American League.

The final test for the Rays is against the high-powered Phillies, led by superstars Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. Against such tough competition, the Rays are, once again, playing against the odds.

The odds-makers apparently haven’t learned their lesson.

Never discount the Rays.

Reach columnist Ben Foutz at sports@dailyuw.com.