Get ready for a new look Tampa Bay Rays team in 2011. Gone are staples Carl Crawford, Jason Bartlett, Matt Garza, Dioner Navarro, Carlos Pena and most of the bullpen. Gone are the incredibly low expectations
The Devil Rays were Bad
as well. That was taken care of in 2008 when the Rays reached the World Series and dropped the “Devil.” I’m not certain that the name change caused the Rays’ newfound success but, don’t count out heavenly help in your reasons for a quality ball club in Tampa. The wins may stem from something more to do with a few good draft picks working out well and a few trades decidedly in the Rays’ favor but whatever the cause the Rays are a legitimate force in the AL East until noted otherwise. How are their chances with a new look 2011 club?
Projected Lineup:
- John Jaso (C)
- Ben Zobrist (RF)
- Evan Longoria (3B)
- Manny Ramirez (DH)
- Johnny Damon (LF)
- B.J. Upton (CF)
- Sean Rodriguez (2B)
- Dan Johnson (1B)
- Reid Brignac (SS)
Projected Rotation:
- David Price
- James Shields
- Jeff Niemann
- Wade Davis
- Jeremy Hellickson
Strengths:
Versitility: Joe Maddon loves to mix up lineups, defensive alignments, and is not afraid to do unconventional things (see the 5 man infield he deployed in 2008 ALCS). His 2011 Rays roster reflects this philosophy with many of guys who can play a lot of positions. Ben Zobrist is listed on the Rays official depth chart at five different positions and could see time at all five this year. Sean Rodriguez can play second or outfield. Johnny Damon has worked at first – the only place where his arm is not a true liability – this spring. All these moving parts make it difficult to project the everyday starting lineup of this team but allow Maddon, and the Rays to keep their best hitters in the lineup.
The Rays are good
Evan Longoria/David Price: Ask any GM to pick a guy they want to build a franchise around and these two names will pop up. David Price finished second in the Cy Young voting last year at only 25 after posting eye popping numbers (19-6, 2.72, 188 K). Price also had three balks. Considering A.J. Burnett has had 5 in his career, this is something Price needs to clean up. (Side note: Greg Maddux had 28 career balks so maybe Price is on to something…Back to stuff that matters) Evan Longoria is signed to the best team contract in all of baseball (2.5 Million in 2011) and is one of the best 3B in the game. After being the No. 3 overall pick in 2006 and winning Rookie of the Year in 2008, Longoria has not regressed. He posted 33 HR and 113 RBI in 2009 and 22 HR with 104 RBI a year ago. Longo should be really good for a long time and when combined with Price for however long he sticks in Tampa, the Rays will have a chance.
Organization: After losing many of the players who lead this team to the World Series in 2008, the Rays still have a few guys with great upside in their Minor League system. The Rays have eight guys on Keith Law’s top 100 prospects list including 6 pitchers, many likely to see the field at some point this summer. The future is still bright in Tampa but the faces may have changed.
Weaknesses:
Bullpen: Rafael Soriano, Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour all left the Rays for a better paycheck. This trio represents all of the saves from 2010 and the top three relievers for a team with a solid bullpen. The Rays went out and got Kyle Farnsworth (Oh Joy!!!) and Joel Peralta (2 career saves). The Rays will need some guys to step up if they hope to maintain leads late in games.
B.J. Upton: Upton gets a worse rap than he deserves but is still a fault on this team. He does not play with the passion and desire that Maddon requires of his players. Since his 2007 season, Upton’s batting average has steadily decreased (all the way to .237 last year). Its hard to see him returning to 2007 form and Upton may be blocking the door for the talented Desmond Jennings. We’ve been hearing about Jennings for awhile now and its time the speedy center fielder gets a shot. He’s a true leadoff man with some pop, something the Rays need.
The Trop: Have you ever been to a game at Tropicana Field? Its not terrible. Its air conditioned, cheap, and well lit. For those of us who like the game of baseball, any seat in the ballpark (and trust me I’ve sat in some of the worst) does just fine for enjoying a Major League game. The players may not like it and the fans may not like the location but I’m tired of hearing about how bad the Trop is. The whispers of a new ballpark have been heard since the 1998 inaugural season and its time the Rays either put those whispers to bed or begin construction. The payroll may increase with a new stadium as attendance might shoot up but, Tampa may not be this team’s long term home.
Storylines:
Who’s on First: Dan Johnson is penciled in at First Base for Opening Day. The guy has been an average major leaguer and could help solidify the Rays lineup with his patient approach but I doubt Johnson starts more than 100 games at 1B. Ben Zobrist and Johnny Damon have been working hard at first this year and if they play the infield, an outfield spot would open up for Desmond Jennings. First Base may be a revolving door this year (personally, I’d like to see Manny over there).
Jaso?: John Jaso had 10 career at bats before 2010. He’s now likely the leadoff man and everyday catcher for the Rays. Can he repeat his 2010 production? Whats the plan if he struggles?
Manny being Manny: Manny Ramirez is still Manny Ramirez. His presence in Tampa should be interesting. I really think the guy can still play. He hit .298 last year and don’t forget his 2008: 37 HR, .332 Avg, 121 RBI. Manny is back in the AL East, teamed up with friend Johnny Damon, and playing for a quirky/fun manager. I look for him to produce this year. P.S. When does he cut his hair?
Prediction:
84-78, 3rd Place, AL East. The Rays can play. Joe Maddon should have his guys motivated and ready to play. Starting pitching will be a strength and the Rays will win their share of games. Without a good bullpen, the Rays will not be a playoff team in 2011. Don’t sleep on this team just because they lost a lot this offseason.
Bold Predictions:
- Manny Ramirez has a good year: .298/.402/.487 with 24 HR and 93 RBI
- Ben Zobrist hits 24 HR
- Johnny Damon struggles: Hits 9 HR, .259 BA, and 11 SB
- Joe Maddon pulls a Bobby Valentine and after being tossed wears a Guy Fawkes mask in the dugout. Somehow he gets away with it. Manny wears the mask to the plate the next day and strikes out.
And Now for Something Completely Different:
The Death Toll in Japan has reached 8,000. Remember that under 2,000 died from Katrina. Any death from Natural Disasters is sad but, we need to recognize the trouble Japan is in currently.
The NCAA tournament is so fun to watch but not when the referees decide the outcome. Pitt and Butler played a great game. Its a shame that the referee’s whistle blew three times in the last 3 seconds. Games should be decided by the players on the court in the closing minute. No blood, no foul.
I’ve got UNC winning the tournament and as I finish this up, they are losing to Washington. For my bank account’s sake, go Tarheels.
The University of Tennessee Athletic Director needs to be fired. Tennessee lost by 30 in their first round game to Michigan. The game was close (4 points) at halftime but, the Vols gave up after all they had been through this year. An Athletic Director should know better than to make the comments that Mike Hamilton made days before an NCAA tournament game.
Do you have neuropathy?
Something for the ladies.
Wyclef Jean was shot in the hand.
As always, email us at offthebench@offthebenchbaseball.com
-Sean Morash
