This Team Won't Go Away

[sportsrock37]

You see the Rays at the top and you just assume they will go back to being the Devil Rays of old, but the teams that have hot starts and fade are always the teams that seem to have great offense. This Rays team has a very good pitching staff, very good bullpen and great fielding. (who would have thought you would hear any of this considering how it was last year). The Rays bats haven't even really woken up yet. They might not be 1st or 2nd in the East this year or make the playoffs, but they should be over 500 for the first time in their franchises' history and that will just set up for next year when another year under their belts. I'm going to predict 83-85 wins for them this year. Assuming Kazmir, Shields, and Garza can stay healthy and their young guys Longoria, Bartlett, Upton, etc continue to develop they will stay in the thick of the AL East/Wild card race.

[craig01]

I hope you are right.

Most people do not realize just how deep this team is.

There is almost another whole major league starting staff waiting in the wings.

Pena is worrisome, and needs to start producing. It's getting way past a slow start.

Getting good run production and Percival staying healthy are my main concerns. Otherwise, I think you are right in that this team might make noise all year.

BTW- The Rays get the #1 pick in the draft again this year.

[sportsrock37]

Just wait until Price gets called up. Kazmir, Shields, Price is a RIDICULOUS 1-2-3 punch.

btw, who do you think the Rays look at #1? Think they go after Buster Posey?

[craig01]

Don't forget Edwin Jackson

He might be ACE material down the road.

Here's an article on him.

http://baseball.realgm.com/src_teamarti ... ob_gibson/


BTW- Rumors are leaning towards Posey, but no one really knows, and the Rays aren't saying. This year there is no clear cut #1.

[mets87]

don't forget matt garza either!

[craig01]

don't forget matt garza either!

Garza picked up his 4th win....adding 10 K's.

Great performance.