Carl Crawford running

Coming off their first winning season in the team’s history and a World Series appearance, the Tampa Bay Rays looked to stay on top of the American League East in 2009. While the NY Yankees and Boston Red Sox were out spending money, the Rays stood pat and only spent money on slugger Pat Burrell. The season started out great, as reigning ROY Evan Longoria was named Player of the Month in April. Outfielder Carl Crawford joined four other teammates at the All-Star Game in St. Louis as Crawford was named MVP for his homer-saving catch. Crawford also showed off his speed by stealing six bases in a game against the Red Sox. Despite the great seasons from shortstop Jason Bartlett and utility man Ben Zobrist, the offense slumped. Sure first baseman Carlos Pena hit an AL-leading 39 homeruns, but he could not hit over .230. BJ Upton struggled to find his stroke after shoulder surgery but also struggled defensively, thus falling out of favor with some fans. Burrell struggled adjusting to the role of DH and is now on the trading block. Catcher Dioner Navarro could not find the consistency that made him solid in 2008 and now the Rays are in the market for a catcher. Second baseman Aki Iwamura started the season off great but a knee injury cost him most of the season and the Rays traded him to Pittsburgh in the offseason.

The pitching staff was the most inconsistent. Rookie David Price started the season in the minors but when he was promoted he could not find a groove. Andy Sonnanstine struggled (6-9 with a 6.77 ERA) which earned him a demotion to the minors. Lefty Scott Kazmir could not regain his 2008 second-half form and him and his salary were sent off to the playoff bound LA Angels. A bright spot was rookie Jeff Niemann as he went 13-6 with a 3.94 ERA and 125 Ks. Due to the rotation struggles, the bullpen was overworked early on, which led to the late season implosion. Lefty swing man JP Howell was moved to the closer role but struggled late in the year.

Even with all the inconsistencies, the Rays had a decent season (winning 84 games), despite not making the playoffs. The Rays have some holes to fill in 2010 and if manager Joe Maddon cannot guide the Rays toward the top of the AL East by midseason, look for a Florida Marlins-type firesale in July. Here’s the Rays wish list:

1. 

   JP Howell

   A closer: Going into this offseason, Tampa management felt comfortable leaving spring training without a definite closer. Lefty JP Howell was the leading candidate and the Rays were looking for veterans to surround Howell. However a closer became available and the Rays jumped at the deal. They acquired righty Rafael Soriano from the Braves for newly acquired reliever Jesse Chavez (from the Pirates for Iwamura). Soriano split closing duties in Atlanta with lefty Mike Gonzalez and accumulated 27 saves (out of 31 opportunities), a 2.97 ERA, and 102 strikeouts. Now the Rays bullpen should fall in line with Howell and righties Grant Balfour and Dan Wheeler setting up a hopefully healthy Soriano.

2. A catcher: Dioner Navarro struggled and fell out of the good graces with management. Looking for a catcher, the Rays acquired Kelly Shoppach from the Cleveland Indians. Shoppach may benefit from the change of scenery as he struggled in 2009 in Cleveland (.214 with 12 homeruns and 40 RBIs). The Rays could platoon Navarro and Shoppach. The Rays could re-sign oft-injured Shawn Riggans or give Nevin Ashley a shot. In the Arizona Fall League, Ashley hit .366 with 6 doubles, 4 triples, 2 homeruns, and 14 RBIs. They also could acquire a young prospect catcher that is about a year away from the big leagues by dealing pitcher Andy Sonnanstine or left fielder Carl Crawford.
3. Bounce back years from the stars: If DH Pat Burrell isn’t traded, 2010 could be a huge year for him. He’ll need to be healthy and put up the offensive numbers that made him beloved in Philly. Centerfielder BJ Upton couldn’t do anything right in 2010, offensively and defensively. Upton always has been criticized for his lack of hustle and supposed laziness, which has made him expendable. As long as he remains a Ray, they need him to use his athleticism at the top of the order. First baseman Carlos Pena made the All-Star team based on his mammoth homeruns. The Rays need him to produce with more than just the bombs.
4. 

   David Price

   Consistency from the starting rotation: The Rays rotation was hampered by the homerun ball, as James Shields was third in the league in homeruns allowed and the team as a whole gave up 183 (tied for third in the AL). Andy Sonnanstine is on the trade block due to his 2009 ineffectiveness. However a move to the bullpen could be in his future which could rejuvenate him. The Rays need James Shields to return to his “Big Game James” form and lead the young staff. Matt Garza proved to be a solid workhorse (despite his 8-12 record) and the Rays will need Garza to harness his emotions and continue his success. Prized lefty David Price made strides and the Rays will need Price and Jeff Niemann to build on their 2009 seasons. The front-runner for the final rotation spot is rookie Wade Davis, who in 6 starts in 2009 went 2-2 with a 3.72 ERA. Mitch Talbot would be another option. If the rotation can find some consistency, the Rays have an offense that can score a lot of runs.