Is this the breakout year of .500 for the Rays?

[craig01]

Spring training is just a few weeks away.

Many roster moves yet to be done........but-

Have the Rays acquired and/or developed enough pitching to be a .500 team this year? Does the cast finally come off the foot?

[craig01]

After the signings of Kazmir, Pena, Shields, Percival and Floyd, the feeling of a positive season ahead is gaining a lot of steam.

The infield should be better than last year, the outfield hopefully stays as productive ( a Baldelli return to form would be a huge plus).

Starting pitching is still a question mark as is the bullpen and the age of it's two finishers. If pitching overall just becomes middle of the pack, then the Rays are going to cause a lot of trouble in the AL.

I predict a fast start, so fast in fact that the Rays will actually gain credibility with the media, then hit the wall during may or june. A rekindling of success will return with the debut and strong arm of David Price in august. A solid finish caps off a record setting year.

This team will finish 83-79.

You saw it here first.

[mets87]

good luck to the rays this season! i like the rotation a lot, very respectable. percival was very good in 40 innings last year, should help mentor the younger pitchers as well. dunno if they've improved by 20 wins. i'll be rooting for you all though!

[craig01]

Health to the young guns is key!