02.24.09
The Tampa Bay Rays, Hungry for More!!!
With the faltering economy, lingering wars, record gas prices, and all the rest, there wasn’t much to get excited about in 2008. Unless of course you happened to be a Tampa Bay Ray’s fan.
Last year, the ball club made a name for themselves, by going from worst to first in the standings, and then beating the Boston Redsox in the playoffs, enroute to their first World Series.
Ultimately, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, but in the process, they proved that money doesn’t always buy championships, and sometimes, willpower defies all odds, by producing remarkable results. The Tampa Bay Rays are a young team. Committed to a common purpose, and motivated by a leader who knows what it means to be an underdog. Using his uncanny leadership skills, Joe Madden will once again find a way to motivate his young ball club to an even higher level in 2009. With their appetites hardly quenched, by the post season treats, the Rays are hungry for even more.
This year, the Rays will be even stronger than last. Here are some of the reasons why…
Now that Carl Crawford is healthy, he’ll resume stealing bases and his average should improve after an injury-riddled 2008. Look for Crawford to hit close to a 300 average, and produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 homers. B.J. Upton was also slowed by injuries last year, but underwent off season treatment for his chronic shoulder problems. A healthy Upton will not only steal 40 bases this year, but will bat on average near 280, and will send between 15-20 balls into the seats at the Tropicana.
Next, we have First Baseman, Carlos Pena and last year’s rookie sensation, at 3rd base, Evan Longoria. They are projected to bat third and fourth respectively, and each have 30-HR power. Except Longoria to bat near 280, and but be surprised if Pena tops 250.
Dioner Navarro is one of the better offensive catchers in the A.L., and shortstop Jason Bartlett is a cheap source of steals coming off a season slowed by a knee injury. Now that he is healthy, except him to steal over 25 bases this year.
Matt Joyce, Ben Zobrist, Willy Aybar, and Gabe Gross are all in contention for playing time, and one will play regularly in right field.
Rounding out the offensive weapons, is the huge off season acquisition, of Designated Hitter, Pat Burrell. Burrell hit 33 home runs last year for Philadelphia, and after 9 seasons in MLB, he already has a total of 251. That’s an average of 27 per year.
Finally, the pitching rotation will be lead by the ace of the staff, Scott Kazmir. Followed by James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstne, and big lefty David Price. Price will be entering the 2009 season as candidate for Rookie of the Year. He was impressive in high-pressure situations in the postseason, showing off his strikeout potential. The only downside, is that such a valuable young arm will be limited to somewhere around 150 innings this season.
From the bullpen, look for J.P. Howell, Joe Nelson(previously with the Marlins), and Grant Balfour to flourish as setup pitchers. This year’s closer will once again be Troy Percival. After a hot start in 2008, Percy’s age caught up with him. However, when healthy, he is still Tampa’s first choice to save the game. If Percival’s health does become an issue, J.P. Howell could easily assume the closing spot, while grabbing some vulture wins.
Are you ready for some baseball? Then try and forget about the economy, and let the Tampa Bay Rays take to you on another day dream, that starts in early spring, and lasts throughout the fall. The unforgettable moments, the shocking blows, the random miracles, and the sight of grown ups being kids again. Because that’s what Baseball is all about.
By: Charles J. Asbury
Host of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” and owner of “The Florida Writer”
