Tampa Bay Rays

2009: 84-78 (3rd)

So Long: P Chad Bradford, OF Gabe Gross, P Jason Isringhausen, 2B Akinori Iwamura, P Troy Percival (retired), C Shawn Riggans, P Brian Shouse, P Russ Springer, C Gregg Zaun

Welcome: P Joaquin Benoit, 3B Hank Blalock, 1B Dan Johnson, C Kelly Shoppach, P Rafael Soriano

Projected Starting Lineup (courtesy of rototimes.com)

1. Jason Bartlett, SS
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Ben Zobrist, 2B
6. B.J. Upton, CF
7. Hank Blalock/Pat Burrell, DH
8. Matt Joyce/Gabe Kapler, RF
9. Kelly Shoppach, C

Rotation - James Shields, Matt Garza, Jeff Niemann, David Price, Wade Davis
Setup - Dan Wheeler, J.P. Howell
Closer - Rafael Soriano

2009 was a disappointing season for the Rays. After making it to the World Series the previous year, they only managed to finish in third place. This year looks like it could be a return to form. They have arguably the best GM in the game today who has constructed a strong team supported by one of the best, if not the best farm system in the majors. This might be the last year they'll have the services of Carl Crawford since it seems pretty unlikely that they'll offer another big contract after shelling out for Jason Bartlett, B.J. Upton and Matt Garza, especially with Desmond Jennings waiting to get called up.  They may let Pena go as well. But in the meantime, no one is going anywhere.

In addition to the young bats, adding Soriano as a closer makes for an impressive collection of pitchers led by one of the best managers in the game: Gene Hackman. Unfortunately it's going to be another year having to best the Yankees and Red Sox to make it to the post season. It will once again prove to be a difficult climb to avoid landing in third place.

PRESEASON AWARDS

If this team were a disease/ailment it would be: The Benjamin Button thing. Every year this team seems to get younger.

The Bristol Palin Raincoat Award: Matt Garza has been campaigning against teen pregnancy after becoming a dad himself at the ripe age of 17. Who has time for a kid with Magic: The Gathering and renaming all the players on Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball? Helllllllloooo Ladies!

Living in the Shadow Award : Carlos Pena (116) should easily eclipse Aubrey Huff's (128) total for the most franchise home runs. He led the majors for some time last year and ended up finishing in second place. Despite having a streaky tendency, he should continue his success this year hitting cleanup with protection from Zobrist.