Tampa Bay Rays: Nine Bold Predictions for 2012

With the recent news that Carlos Pena has rejoined the Rays on a one-year deal after spending a year with the Chicago Cubs, the team's dynamic has seemingly changed for the better.

A clear upgrade over Casey Kotchman, Pena's solid defense, amazing clubhouse personality and blend of power and on-base percentage will be welcomed back.

He quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago, though the new regime is sold on Bryan LaHair for the short term and top prospect Anthony Rizzo for the long haul.

Coming off one of the greatest final-day dramatics in MLB history, the Rays could well have an even more exciting 2012.

Without further ado, here are nine bold predictions for 2012.

Jeff Niemann Will Be Squeezed out of the Rotation to Start the Season

The Rays' MLB-worthy starting pitching depth is the envy of any team.

With the recent extension given to Matt Moore, Jeff Niemann will find himself the odd man out after spring training.

The new rotation will consist of James Sheilds, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore and Wade Davis. Niemann will find himself in a long relief/spot starter role to start 2012.

Desmond Jennings Will Avoid the Sophomore Slump

While Desmond Jennings' .259 batting average was nothing impressive, his potential and near-ready abilities were clear.

That said, he will enjoy a breakout season. He'll hit at least .280 at the top of the lineup.

B.J. Upton and Wade Davis Will Be Traded

While the Rays will be competitive, their desperate need for upgrades at shortstop and catcher will be made clear.

The players most likely to be traded to fill those needs are B.J. Upton and Wade Davis.

Upton has an expiring contract that the Rays likely won't be able to afford to renew. Davis is the starter that GM Andrew Friedman would be the most comfortable trading.

Both would be replaceable immediately, with Jeff Niemann stepping back into the rotation and Desmond Jennings shifting from left to center.

Russ Canzler Will Be Recalled, Be DH for Rest of the Season

The move of Jennings from left field to center field will result in Luke Scott moving out to left field in an everyday role, opening up the DH spot.

The Rays will recall late bloomer Russ Canzler. He put up a stat line of .314/.401/.530 at AAA Durham in 2011 and garnered a spot on the 40-man roster and a September call-up.

Canzler was signed as a minor league free agent in November 2011, just 13 days after being granted free agency by the Cubs. His slow progression seemed to have him blocked in the Cubs system, so he was let go.

The signing wound up being another one of Friedman's shrewd moves. Canzler will be called upon to deliver as the DH and occasional first baseman down the stretch. He won't let the Rays faithful down.

The New Pieces All Click

The addition of Canzler and the upgrades acquired by trading Upton and Davis will be felt immediately in Tampa Bay.

Joe Maddon, who with the retirement of Tony LaRussa is easily the best manager in the major leagues,  will make all the pieces click. And Andrew Friedman will be sure to bring in high-character pieces so as not to upset the clubhouse chemistry.

Armed with a complete lineup, the Rays only will have themselves to beat.

Rays Will Win A.L. East

With the various additions, the Rays will stun the baseball world and win the A.L. East.

Led by the masterful Maddon and the impossible-to-hate Evan Longoria, they will squeak past the Yankees. It'll take all 162 games, but the Rays will win the ever-difficult division for the first time since 2008.

The Yankees will win the wild card, and new Boston GM Ben Cherington will see his team just miss the playoffs for the second straight year. The Blue Jays also will finish over .500 in what easily will be the most hotly-contested division race in years.

Matt Moore Will Win No Less Than 18 Total Games

Matt Moore, fresh off a new extension, will have a breakout campaign. While his inning total will be watched carefully, Moore still will notch at least 18 wins between the regular and postseason.

The prized lefthander, who easily has as much potential as the highly touted Stephen Strasburg, will dominate hitters in seemingly every start, proving Friedman right in giving him his new contract.

Joe Maddon Will Win A.L. Manager of the Year

While the Rays will continue to have one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, Joe Maddon will continue his masterful work as manager.

Guiding the Rays to a division title against teams whose single-month expenditures equal the Rays' annual payroll, Maddon will prove again that he is able to pull all the right strings and get every last victory he can out of his team.

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Rays Will Win World Series

Finally armed with a complete roster, the Rays will become the champions of baseball. Despite all the expensive signings by the Marlins, the Rays will bring a championship to Florida in 2012.

With something to prove, David Price will earn be named World Series MVP, winning two starts and appearing in relief of an all-decisive Game 7, helping bridge the gap to closer Kyle Farnsworth.