The Rays have become the Cinderella team in 2008. They don’t consider themselves lucky, however; they believe they’re that good. What you see is what you’re going to get every game. Tampa is the picture of consistency in every aspect of the game.

With the help of an American League scout, here’s the skinny on the Rays.

POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUP

Iwamura

2B Akinori Iwamura: He’s a plus-defender and a top-of-the-line second baseman. Offensively, he’s your prototypical Japanese hitter. He bails out on his swing, but his hands stay back. He has some power, mostly gap power more than anything else. He uses all fields and can spray the ball. The one glitch he has is that he strikes out a lot for a leadoff guy and he’s not a great base-stealing threat. He’ll hurt you with doubles.

CF B.J. Upton: One of the most athletic players in the game. He’s considered a “tool shed” player because he can do it all. He’ll chase pitches and doesn’t have a major-league feel for the strike zone yet. A speedy guy who can steal a base, he has a solid on-base percentage and the ability to draw a walk. Defensively he’s very solid with a strong plus-arm, which can rob a hitter of extra bases. Could be a superstar player, but has issues with mental lapses, which has forced manager Joe Maddon to bench Upton a few times this season for either fundamental miscues or lack of hustle.

1B Carlos Pena: The former Red Sox player has very good power, mostly a pull hitter. A very good mistake hitter, the best on the club. If opposing pitchers make good pitches, they’ll be able to get him out. Has a tendency to swing and miss, but is a true power hitter. Defensively he’s very sound.

3B Evan Longoria: The 22-year-old is the potential rookie of the year in the American League. A superstar in the making, he plays like a seasoned veteran. Has big power and will strike out, but not as much as most cleanup hitters. Makes contact and is considered to be an old-fashioned-type player. He’s a tough out. He’s plus-defender with a plus-arm and great range with a quick first step.

Crawford

LF Carl Crawford: Had a down year because of injuries. A speedster who has the ability to turn on the ball and hit a home run, he is considered one of the best base stealers in the league. A contact hitter who does not walk a lot, which is why he’s not a leadoff hitter. He’s more effective down in the order. Not quite an elite hitter, but a very dangerous guy at the plate. Defensively not the best left fielder in the game even with his speed, and has trouble reading the ball off the bat.

DH Rocco Baldelli: The Rhode Island native is not the same player he used to be because of health issues. He battled back and returned to the lineup in August. He won’t be the everyday DH for the Rays but will split time with Cliff Floyd depending on whether the club is facing a right-hander or lefty. Baldelli, once considered one of the game’s best base runners, is still a dangerous threat in key situations. Has a flare for the big hit. Floyd is not what he used to be, either, but still carries a big bat and can hurt you with his power.

C Dioner Navarro: He’s had a career year this season. A switch-hitter who is very good from both sides of the plate and is an extreme contact hitter and likes to use all fields. He’s tough to strike out and is a very good situational hitter. Not a power guy, but uses the gaps to his advantage.

RF Fernando Perez/Gabe Gross: Gross is a left-handed hitter with some power and is athletic. He’s a good corner outfielder. His power numbers haven’t come around enough to be an everyday player, but he’s also very good off the bench.

SS Jason Bartlett: A good defender with decent range and can make the plays in the hole. Not a power guy but will beat up an opposing pitcher with quality at-bats.

STARTING ROTATION

Shields

RHP James Shields: This guy is a fierce competitor and has become the ace of the staff. He’s not overwhelming, but he’s solid average. His fastball is 90-92 mph with a slider as his out pitch. He pounds the strike zone and has a good changeup. He spots his fastball and won’t walk a lot of guys. He pitches to contact and will rely on his defense.

LHP Scott Kazmir: Has a power slider and a plus-fastball. When he’s on, you’re in trouble. Has some command problems and works deep into counts, which doesn’t allow him to pitch deep into games. He’s got showdown stuff. The youngest member of the Rays’ staff, he’s already the club’s all-time leader with wins (47), innings pitched (723), strikeouts (783), starts (124) and ERA (3.61). He’s got an electric arm for a little guy.

RHP Matt Garza: He will rely on his fastball 85 to 90 percent of the time. It’s considered a heavy ball and likes to spot it. He throws a ton of strikes and has an average slider. Likes to throw his changeup to lefties and has solid command of it.

RHP Andy Sonnanstine: Has a four-pitch mix and is considered a poor man’s Shields. Sonnanstine does have good command of all is pitches. Will do his best not to allow base runners, but opponents will need to get hits off him. He has a bit of a slinger delivery. Has no real plus-pitch. His strength is command of all his pitches. He’s the type of pitcher the Red Sox can feast on.

BULLPEN

LHP J.P. Howell: Has three good pitches. His fastball is 84 to 88 mph and a power curveball that is an absolute hammer pitch. For a guy who doesn’t throw a dominating fastball, it’s impressive he has such arm speed with his curve. He has a plus-changeup. Boston fans will appreciate the fact that Howell is similar to former Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee. Howell is a fearless competitor. He wants the ball in any situation.

Balfour

RHP Grant Balfour: This 30-year-old Australian had one of the best seasons of any reliever in baseball in 2008. His stuff and numbers are ridiculous. He has a heavy fastball and dials it up to 93 to 96 mph and spots it very well. His quality slider is his strikeout pitch. For a guy who not a household name, he’s been unhittable. He’s held opponents to a .143 average. Has allowed only 3 homers and 11 extra-base hits all season. If you see him, you’re in trouble.

RHP Chad Bradford: Your typical pain-in-the-neck pitcher. Is a right-handed specialist with his submarine delivery and relies on deception. Will get a lot of ground balls and a ton of double plays. Throws a “Frisbee” slider and brings a veteran experience to the bullpen.

RHP Dan Wheeler: Rhode Island native throws in the mid-90s and has some sink with his fastball. His slider is his out pitch. The opposition would rather face him than the other three guys. Does have a tendency to give up the home run.

jmcdonal@projo.com