Peter Bendix at Beyond the Box Score posted an interesting look at the strength of schedule of the top AL East contenders (Sox, Yanks, Rays). With the Rays sitting atop the division standings, they obviously have the best W-L record in the East -- but Peter found that they've also arguably played the toughest schedule along the way. The Sox have also played a comparably tough schedule -- and the Yankees lucked out with a relatively easy schedule of opponents during the first half of the season.

Tampa Bay Rays: 51-32 / .614% (68 games against clubs with .500+ record)
Boston Red Sox: 50-36 / .581% (65 games against clubs with .500+ record)
New York Yankees: 44-40 / .524% (41 games against clubs with .500+ record)

Looking forward to the second half of the season, the tables will turn -- the Rays will gain the benefit of a much easier schedule, the Yankees will face a significantly tougher slate of opponents, and the Red Sox can look forward to a slightly easier run.

Perhaps most telling: the Yankees have already played out their series with the Royals, Mariners and Indians, and will no longer have those opponents to feast on. Of course this also means that the surging Rays are on the downhill slope, and will be looking to cruise on through to the postseason.