If this were a typical Tampa Bay season, we’d be right at the point when the Rays get labeled as “sellers,” trade away what little established veteran talent they have, and try to build for the future. Likewise, this is also the time when they would call up their blue chip prospects in an attempt to get them some big league experience.

So, if the Rays’ 2008 season was similar to any other season in team history, this would be right around the time that Evan Longoria gets the call. But, the Rays, perhaps sensing that this could be their long-awaited turnaround season, Longoria got called up on April 12, and the 22-year-old rookie has already established himself as an indispensible piece of the team’s lineup.

The Rays have counted on Longoria’s ability to bat fifth in the lineup and provide protection for Carlos Pena, who hit 46 home runs for the club just last year.  He’s responded by belting 16 home runs and driving in 53 runs, excellent numbers especially considering a sluggish start to his big league career.

Playing sound defense certainly hasn’t been a problem for Longoria, as the rookie has committed just six errors all season at the hot corner, while making some jaw-dropping web gems in critical situations.

Is this ringing a bell?  Wasn’t there someone in almost the exact same situation last year who played with the same type of tenacity?  Here’s a hint:  Clap-clap, clap-clap-clap, clap-clap-clap-clap, TULO!!

Yes, Troy Tulowitzki, the energetic young shortstop who instilled a winning mentality on a Colorado Rockies team whose history had been mired in failure. The result was a 21-1 record over a 22-game span that culminated in a trip to the World Series.

Each of the two players brings attitude, superb defense, and leadership despite their young age, and it’s plain to see that each of their respective teams feeds off their play. The difference is that Longoria has turned it on even quicker than Tulowitzki did a season ago, and was rewarded by being voted into the Midsummer Classic where he also participated in the Home Run Derby.

However, the Rays’ hot start has taken a turn for the worse as of late, and they dropped seven straight games heading into the All-Star Break. Now in the second half of the 2008 season, the Rays will continue to lean heavily on their young superstar, and a playoff berth may only be possible with Longoria continuing to impress the baseball world.