The young combination of Evan Longoria (left) and B.J. Upton (right) hope to make some noise for the Rays in 2012.
The Tampa Bay Rays are going into Spring Training as one of the favorites in the American League. They won’t be able to slide under the radar like they did in 2011. The Rays are loaded with pitching from top to bottom. They have improved their bullpen with the acquisitions of Joel Peralta, Burke Badenhop (the hopper), and hard throwing Fernando Rodney. The Rays’ front office filled the holes of first base and DH with a familiar face in Carlos Pena, and a hard nosed ball player in Luke Scott. The signing of Jose Molina should provide a veteran presence for the young pitchers behind the plate. Manager Joe Maddon has many things to be excited about in 2012.
Spring Training Battles:
- Shortstop
Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez are battling for the starting shortstop role. Rodriguez is thought to have more upside, but that doesn’t mean he will win the position. Joe Maddon has been quoted saying that the winner will be the player who can harness all his skills – defense, base running, and offense- and become a complete baseball player. I think Sean Rodriguez will win the starting role this spring. He has a great upside with the bat. He also had a better OBP then Brignac.
- Starting Rotation
David Price, James Shields, and Jeremy Hellickson have the first three spots locked up. Pitchers Wade Davis, Matt Moore, and Jeff Niemann will be fighting for the last two spots. It’s going to be a great battle because each pitcher could easily pitch in almost any other team’s pitching rotation. I think that Matt Moore will prove he is ready and win the fourth spot of the rotation. Wade Davis is younger and has more potential then Niemann. I think Niemann’s experience will help make the transition to the bullpen better.
Projected Lineup
1) Desmond Jennings
2) B.J. Upton
3) Evan Longoria
4) Carlos Pena
5) Ben Zobrist
6) Luke Scott
7) Matt Joyce
8 ) Jose Molina
9) Sean Rodriguez
Projected Starting Rotation
1) David Price
2) James Shields
3) Jeremy Hellickson
4) Matt Moore
5) Wade Davis
Bullpen
Joel Peralta
Fernando Rodney
J.P. Howell
Cesar Ramos
Jeff Niemann
Closer
Kyle Farnsworth
Predictions
A.L. East Division
1st New York Yankees
2nd Tampa Bay Rays (WILD CARD)
3rd Boston Red Sox
4th Toronto Blue Jays
5th Baltimore Orioles
