After many years of the Rays' (or Devil Rays) reign of defeat in the AL East, it seems as if the future is looking bright.
I don't know how you can't disagree with this.
2008 though, is not their year. I have no doubt that the Rays will make the postseason this year, but will lose due to lack of experience.
The Rays in the future are going to have a solid team, built off of young players that the Rays have gathered through their past seasons of defeat. Not only do the Rays have Scott Kazmir, James Shields, and Andy Sonnanstine in their rotation, but soon, you will be seeing another guy, and the American League will pay the price.
The person I am speaking of was the first-overall pick in the 2007 draft. A left-handed SP named David Price. This guy is tearing it up the minor leagues. So far in 2008, this guy is 4-0 in six starts. His ERA is sitting at a low 1.82, and he has a WHIP of 1.01.
This guy is nothing but talent. He has given up only seven ERs in six starts. Did I mention this is only at single-A ball?
In AA, Price kept up his impressiveness. He went 6-0 in eight games with a 2.08 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. I can't wait to see this guy in the majors, helping lead the future Rays.
I mean, how do you not see the Rays winning the World Series in the near future, especially with a pitching staff consisting of Kazmir, Price, and Shields as their top three?
Then, look at their offense.
The Rays have Carlos Pena playing at first base, a great power hitter. At second, you have the oh-so-underrated Akinori Iwamura. At SS, the Rays are weak, where they consist of a mix of players, including Jonny Gomes. At third, you have the future 2008 AL ROY, Evan Longoria.
Their OF consists of B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske, who are all solid on offense and defense. If you can give me a good reason, besides experience, why the Rays will not be a dominant team in the near future, please let me know.
10 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete