2010 Tampa Bay Rays: Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming back from a disappointing 2009 campaign after a World Series run in 2008. The Rays have a long list of youngsters that are ready to break free and bust open the door.

The only real acquisition of a position player came in the form of C Kelly Shoppach, who was sent over from Cleveland. He will be platooning at the catcher spot with Dioner Navarro.

They also picked up a much needed closer in Rafael Soriano, who they signed from Atlanta. Soriano collected 27 saves in 31 chances.

The Rays need to get their pitching back on track if they want a shot at the World Series. They traded Scott Kazmir to the Angels during the trading deadline, so now they are more than likely going to bring up Wade Davis, who started six games for Tampa last season.

I also expect Tim Beckham to get a call up later this season. He is the best prospect in the organization.

Also note that Carl Crawford’s contract is expiring at the end of the season. I don’t expect him back, and from what I've heard, people expect him either to land in New York, Boston, or Los Angeles.

Projected Starting Line-up:

C: Dioner Navarro
1B: Carlos Pena
2B: Ben Zobrist
3B: Evan Longoria
SS: Jason Bartlett
LF: Carl Crawford
CF: B.J. Upton
RF: Matt Joyce
DH: Pat Burrell

SP: James Shields
SP: Matt Garza
SP: Jeff Niemann
SP: David Price
SP: Wade Davis
CP: Rafael Soriano