Adam Wainwright Injured: Which Player Could Tampa Bay Rays Least Afford To Lose

Adam Wainwright's injury posed a very scary scenario for the Cardinals and every other team in spring training. How can a team begin a season with one of their most prized assets not available on the playing field?

Most of the Cardinals attention was focused on contract negotiations with Albert Pujols. The forward thinking has halted to a present-day concern of how the team can compete without their ace on the mound.

The Tampa Bay Rays offseason was focused on the liquidation of talent and salaries from the team's inventory. Most notable were the departures of Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Matt Garza and Rafael Soriano.

The Rays then generated a little momentum with the acquisition of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon. Sports fans like to live in the fantasy world state of mind that devastating injuries won't happen to their team.

What if it happened to the Rays? Which player is the single most valuable piece to the Rays quest to defend their American League East Division Championship?

Here are five players the Rays can't afford to lose.

5. Manny Ramirez

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FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Manny Ramirez #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during the Tampa Bay Rays Photo Day on February 22, 2011 at the Charlotte Sports Complex in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

If the Rays lose Manny Ramirez they will lose their primary power hitter. Last season they won the division in spite of Carlos Pena's dismal .197 batting average.

With the loss of pitchers Matt Garza, Grant Balfour and Rafael Soriano the 2011 Rays will need to score more runs than the 2010 team did to achieve the same results.

4. Desmond Jennings

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ST. PETERSBURG - OCTOBER 07: Outfielder Desmond Jennings #27 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a foul ball against the Texas Rangers during Game 2 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on October 7, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Even though the Rays signed Johnny Damon, Desmond Jennings is the long-term replacement for Carl Crawford. With Damon's injury issues and age, it can be expected that Jennings will play a pivotal role in the Rays season this year.

Losing Jennings impacts the team speed and ability to steal bases, which is a large piece of the Rays strategy.

3. BJ Upton

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ST PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 07: B.J. Upton #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays waits on deck during Game 2 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on October 7, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

BJ Upton needs to have a huge year for the Rays. Beyond his defensive responsibilities in center field the Rays need him to step up at the plate and on the bases. He is the team's returning leader in stolen bases and has the potential to score more runs this season with the addition of Ramirez and Damon at bat.

Losing Upton would further deplete an outfield that cannot withstand any more losses. If the Rays lose Upton it will be hard to find someone else that can cover as much ground in the outfield. Rays fans don't want to see a scenario that requires Manny to play defense.

2. Evan Longoria

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 5 of the ALDS against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on October 12, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Evan Longoria is the face of the Tampa Bay Rays team. The All-Star third baseman is not only a fan favorite but his Gold Glove performances in the field make him a top asset for the team.

Statistically in 2010 Longoria was ninth in the American League with 104 RBI and 10th with 96 runs.

Longoria is the returning leader of the clubhouse. He will need to keep this team together if they hope to continue to experience the successes of recent seasons.

The Rays do not have the depth to replace Longoria in any fashion.

1. David Price

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FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: David Price #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait during the Tampa Bay Rays Photo Day on February 22, 2011 at the Charlotte Sports Complex in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

There is a reason they are called aces. David Price is the most valuable card in the Tampa Bay Rays deck. His value is even greater with the losses of Matt Garza, Joaquin Benoit, Grant Balfour and Rafael Soriano.

Price is going to have to put the Rays in a position to win more than ever. He doesn't have the same caliber of support in the bullpen, field or behind the plate as in previous seasons.

In 2010 among American League pitchers Price ranked first in win percentage (.760), second in wins (19) and third in ERA (2.72).

Although losing any starter would cripple the Rays 2011 season, losing Price will end it.