Who Will Be This Year's Tampa Bay Rays?

Last season, the Tampa Bay Rays shocked the world by making it to the World Series. After years in the basement of the AL East, the Rays brought everything together and surprised pretty much everyone. They displayed a great amount of maturity and talent for such a young group.

With the 2009 season fast approaching, the question is: Who will be this years Tampa Bay Rays?

Lets look at a few teams that could answer this question:

Texas Rangers:

The Rangers, like Tampa, have a great young lineup. Their batting order is filled with young players that can make a huge impact on the team's playoff hopes.

Josh Hamilton is a monster, and we already saw that last season.

Chris Davis is primed for a 30 HR year.

Ian Kinsler is an elite 2B, and would've been in the MVP talks if it weren't for an injury.

Elvis Andrus is an interesting rookie that has alot of promise.

David Murphy, Jarod Saltalamacchia and Michael Young can all produce as well.

The question for Texas will be their pitching staff. Their starting rotation doesn't exactly blow you away. They will need Kevin Millwood to have a great season, as well as youngsters Scott Feldman, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy.

Florida Marlins:

The Marlins always seem to be on a list like this don't they?

Every year expectations are high for this young team, but this year could be different.

With Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla leading the way, the Marlins will win games, but how many us the question.

Jorge Cantu also had a very solid season last year. Look for him to continue his success. I am a huge fan of Cameron Maybin as well. He will make a good impression this season. The Fish also have youngsters Gaby Sanchez and Jeremy Hermida.

The pitching staff is somewhat of a question, but if you hear what the Marlins' managers have to say, they have a great deal of confidence in these kids.

Ricky Nolasco is a big time player, and the ace of the group. 

Josh Johnson has a ton of potential, but is injury prone.

Andrew Miller may have the brightest future out of the five.

Chris Volstad and Anibel Sanchez are primed for big seasons as well.

Colorado Rockies:

How about the team in which Tampa Bay answered the question: "Who will be this years Rockies?"

This is a season of high hopes for the Rockies, even though they traded away their best player (Matt Holliday) to Oakland.

Troy Tulowitzki is healthy and ready for an impact season. Garret Atkins and Brad Hawpe are ready for big time seasons as well.

The Rockies also have a great young pitching staff, one that is similar to the staff that helped them reach the World Series in 2007.

Jeff Francis is ready to take his game to the next level. Ubaldo Jimmenez is in the same boat. Aaron Cook had a very good season last year, but can he stay healthy?

Cincinnati Reds:

The Reds have a very solid, young team taking the field in 2009.

Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion and Willy Taveras will help lead the team this year. They also have Brandon Phillips, who is only 27.

But pitching is the strength of this team. Edinson Volquez, as we already saw last year, is a fantastic pitcher. Johnny Queto and Micah Owings are also ready to help out ace Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. They're bullpen is very solid as well.

Kansas City Royals:

The Royals? Nah, no way. Well, you just never know.

The Royals are much like the Rays last season—young and having minimal success over the past few years (and more).

Can this be the year the Royals break out?

Kansas City has some great young talent in their lineup. I am a huge fan of Alex Gordon, and I think he will have a great season in 2009.

Mike Jacobs is a 30+ home run player. Billy Butler is primed for a good season as well.

Their young pitching staff can be a real asset to the team this season. Zack Greinke, Brian Bannister, Luke Hochevar and Kyle Davies are all ready to take their games to the next level. Let's not forget Joakim Soria, who is already an elite closer at 24 years of age.

So once again, the question is: Who will be this years Rays?

To be honest, I don't think that any team has that potential. I do not think any young team has all the right pieces to make it all the way to the World Series. A playoff appearance? Possibly, but not a World Series.

But when you weigh your options, the Reds, Royals, Rockies, Rangers, and Marlins all have a shot to surprise people this year.

We'll just have to wait and see.