Post by #1 Jays Fan on Mar 20, 2008 21:19:54 GMT -5
Last season: 66-96, 5th in A.L. East
Manager: Joe Maddon, 3rd season, 154-221 (.411) career record
New faces: SS Jason Bartlett (MIN), C Mike DiFelice (NYM), OF Cliff Floyd (CHC), RHP Matt Garza (MIN), IF/OF Eric Hinske (BOS), LHP Trever Miller (HOU), RHP Scott Munter (SF), RHP Troy Percival (STL), OF John Rodriguez (STL)
Left town: RHP Shawn Camp (TOR), C Raul Casanova (NYM), RHP Tim Corcoran (FLA), OF Elijah Dukes (WSH), IF Brendan Harris (MIN), IF Greg Norton (SEA), IF Jorge Velandia (PIT), OF Delmon Young (MIN)
Overview: For the first time in franchise history, now a decade old, there is reason for optimism in the Tampa/St. Pete's area. It all started with the decision to rid the team of some malcontents; and the idea that sometimes you have to step back before you move forward. And with the farm system finally bearing fruit after years of high draft picks, the Rays are finally feeling good about themselves. The top three pitchers in their projected rotation are all 26-years-old or under. Blue chip prospect Evan Longoria is destined to be the face of the franchise and B.J. Upton has the skills to be the next Alfonso Soriano. Maybe this will finally shut up the heckler that sits behind the plate at Tropicana Field?
Stat to ponder: The Rays have averaged 97 losses over their first 10 years as a franchise. Last season the blame fell squarely at the feet of a bullpen that posted a 6.16 ERA last season, the worst in the Majors in over 50 years. Top prospect: 3B Evan Longoria: Hold your jokes, there is nothing desperate about the all-round game of this right-handed hitting 22-year-old who drove in 95 runs between double-A & triple-A last season. This kid is the real deal and gives the Rays an instant offensive upgrade this season.
Hitting
'07 AVG (RANK): .268 (15th), RUNS/GAME: 4.83 (15th), HR: 187 (7th)
The everyday lineup still has a few question marks, but this team is young, speedy and will take the extra base if you allow them. If Longoria is as good as advertised, he'll move up the list and might be hitting fifth before the year is out. It remains to be seen if Carlos Pena can replicate the 46 HR, 121 RBI season of 2007, but if he can come close, with the return to health (finally!) of Rocco Baldelli, this team will put up a lot of crooked numbers this season. The clock is ticking on All-Star Carl Crawford, who sees free agency on the horizon and Tampa doesn't have the cash, or history of winning, to keep his talent in the fold.
Pitching
'07 ERA (RANK): 5.53 (30th), OPP AVG: .290 (30th)
No team pitched worse than the Rays in 2007. With Scott Kazmir and James Shields getting experience, and Matt Garza coming over from the Twins in the Delmon Young deal, they have a solid top of the rotation if they can live up to their vast promise. But it won't matter how well these youngsters pitch if the bullpen continues to spit the bit. At present, they are hoping that veterans Troy Percival and/or Al Reyes can close winnable games out. If they can't, the Rays front office has decide if they should deal from a cache of prospects to bring in a quality closer. The fortunes of this franchise will depend on their pitching in 2008.
Statsman's non-binding prediction: An escape from the basement to fourth and with the departure of some selfish players and the arrival of highly touted prospects, the Rays future has never been brighter.
Manager: Joe Maddon, 3rd season, 154-221 (.411) career record
New faces: SS Jason Bartlett (MIN), C Mike DiFelice (NYM), OF Cliff Floyd (CHC), RHP Matt Garza (MIN), IF/OF Eric Hinske (BOS), LHP Trever Miller (HOU), RHP Scott Munter (SF), RHP Troy Percival (STL), OF John Rodriguez (STL)
Left town: RHP Shawn Camp (TOR), C Raul Casanova (NYM), RHP Tim Corcoran (FLA), OF Elijah Dukes (WSH), IF Brendan Harris (MIN), IF Greg Norton (SEA), IF Jorge Velandia (PIT), OF Delmon Young (MIN)
Overview: For the first time in franchise history, now a decade old, there is reason for optimism in the Tampa/St. Pete's area. It all started with the decision to rid the team of some malcontents; and the idea that sometimes you have to step back before you move forward. And with the farm system finally bearing fruit after years of high draft picks, the Rays are finally feeling good about themselves. The top three pitchers in their projected rotation are all 26-years-old or under. Blue chip prospect Evan Longoria is destined to be the face of the franchise and B.J. Upton has the skills to be the next Alfonso Soriano. Maybe this will finally shut up the heckler that sits behind the plate at Tropicana Field?
Stat to ponder: The Rays have averaged 97 losses over their first 10 years as a franchise. Last season the blame fell squarely at the feet of a bullpen that posted a 6.16 ERA last season, the worst in the Majors in over 50 years. Top prospect: 3B Evan Longoria: Hold your jokes, there is nothing desperate about the all-round game of this right-handed hitting 22-year-old who drove in 95 runs between double-A & triple-A last season. This kid is the real deal and gives the Rays an instant offensive upgrade this season.
Hitting
'07 AVG (RANK): .268 (15th), RUNS/GAME: 4.83 (15th), HR: 187 (7th)
The everyday lineup still has a few question marks, but this team is young, speedy and will take the extra base if you allow them. If Longoria is as good as advertised, he'll move up the list and might be hitting fifth before the year is out. It remains to be seen if Carlos Pena can replicate the 46 HR, 121 RBI season of 2007, but if he can come close, with the return to health (finally!) of Rocco Baldelli, this team will put up a lot of crooked numbers this season. The clock is ticking on All-Star Carl Crawford, who sees free agency on the horizon and Tampa doesn't have the cash, or history of winning, to keep his talent in the fold.
Pitching
'07 ERA (RANK): 5.53 (30th), OPP AVG: .290 (30th)
No team pitched worse than the Rays in 2007. With Scott Kazmir and James Shields getting experience, and Matt Garza coming over from the Twins in the Delmon Young deal, they have a solid top of the rotation if they can live up to their vast promise. But it won't matter how well these youngsters pitch if the bullpen continues to spit the bit. At present, they are hoping that veterans Troy Percival and/or Al Reyes can close winnable games out. If they can't, the Rays front office has decide if they should deal from a cache of prospects to bring in a quality closer. The fortunes of this franchise will depend on their pitching in 2008.
Statsman's non-binding prediction: An escape from the basement to fourth and with the departure of some selfish players and the arrival of highly touted prospects, the Rays future has never been brighter.
