Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton was a guest in studio with Ron and Ian Tuesday morning and talked about the team's outlook with a month left in the season.

"The thing that's the most important for our guys is they've been through this," he said, talking about how the Rays fit in the playoff race as compared to a team like Baltimore or Oakland. "We're at the grind part of the year, and I think this is where our guys play the best."

Shelton said it doesn't appear as though Baltimore will fade.

He talked about how the offense is coming around and that Evan Longoria's return has been a factor.

And Shelton addressed the criticism that seems to periodically surround him.

"The fact that we're passionate about it and talking about it, I think it's awesome. For a long time it (the Rays) wasn't the topic of conversation so the fact that it is -- that's great," he said.

For more info about the 'Mystery Ball' event this saturday night (9/8/2012) to benefit All Children's Hospital, click here: raysbaseball.com