2009 MLB Preview - Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays
Manager: Joe Maddon (4th season)
2008 Record: 97-65 (1st AL East)
Postseason: Won AL Pennant

Added: OF Pat Burrell (PHI), OF Matt Joyce (DET), RP Joe Nelson (FLA), RP Jason Isringhausen (STL)
Lost: OF Rocco Baldelli (BOS), SP Edwin Jackson (DET), RP Trever Miller (STL)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 2B Akinori Iwamura (.274, 91 R, 6 HR, 48 RBI) 2. LF Carl Crawford (.273, 69 R, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 25 SB) 3. 1B Carlos Pena (.247, 76 R, 31 HR, 102 RBI) 4. 3B Evan Longoria (.272, 67 R, 27 HR, 85 RBI) 5. DH Pat Burrell (.250, 74 R, 33 HR, 86 RBI) 6. RF Matt Joyce (.252, 40 R, 12 HR, 33 RBI) 7. C Dioner Navarro (.295, 43 R, 7 HR, 54 RBI) 8. CF Gabe Gross (.238, 46 R, 13 HR, 40 RBI) 9. SS Jason Bartlett (.286, 46 R, 1 HR, 37 RBI, 20 SB)

NOTE: CF B.J. Upton will return in late April/early May due to injury

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA, 160 K) 2. Scott Kazmir (12-8, 3.49 ERA, 166 K) 3. Matt Garza (11-9, 3.70 ERA, 128 K) 4. Andy Sonnanstine (13-9, 4.38 ERA, 124 K) 5. Jeff Niemann (2-2, 5.06 ERA, 14 K)

Bench
C Shawn Riggins, IF Willy Aybar, IF/OF Ben Zobrist, OF Gabe Kapler

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Troy Percival (28 SV, 45.2 IP, 29 H, 38 K, 4.53), Dan Wheeler, Jason Isringhausen, Grant Balfour, Chad Bradford, J.P Howell

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Fantasy Studs: 3B Evan Longoria, OF Carl Crawford
Fantasy Sleepers: SP Matt Garza

Men In The Minors: C John Jaso, SS Reid Brignac, SS Tim Beckham, OF Desmond Jennings, SP David Price, SP Wade Davis

Home Ballpark: Tropicana Field (Grade 3/10)

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Team Outlook: Apparently, the word "Devil" is what was holding this team back. Last year saw an amazing ascension from laughing stock to baseball darling. Now, the Rays have to prove that last year was no fluke. They bring back many of the pieces from last year. The pitching staff is the same besides Jackson, who bolted for Detroit. Niemann is in the 5 slot now, but he's just keeping the spot warm for David Price, who will be in the rotation sooner rather than later. The bullpen stays the same pretty much, but expect Percival to struggle as closer a bit. I mean, he is 38 years old. The lineup is just as strong as last year. Upton's injury will only cause him to miss 2-4 weeks of the beginning of the season but once he is inserted, the 1-6 slots are all a tough out. Burrell is a good addition, especially his power, which this team lacked at times. Baldelli is gone but Joyce is an apt replacement there as well. And again, the bench has plenty of depth. This team should win and a win a lot. Not only do they have the tools, but they also have belief.

Next Preview: Texas Rangers