[ThePundit]

Opening day is approaching and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are looking to improve on last season’s dismal performance, finishing with the worst record in Major League Baseball. The Rays made very few off-season trades and signings, looking to focus more on developing their young and talented core.

Two free agent signings of significance are righted handed relief pitcher, Scott Dohmann, and Japanese third baseman, Akinori Iwamura. The Rays hope that Dohmann can shore up the inconsistent bullpen that finished 27th in the MLB with a 4.98 ERA. Iwamura looks to compete for the starting third base position, but will have to adjust to Major League pitching and a new culture.

Although Rays made few significant moves in the off-season, the ball club is bringing back a group of young, but determined ball players. In fact, the Devil Rays primary strength is their youth -young ball players trying to make a name for themselves and their ball club, which makes for exciting and determined baseball.

Last year’s team leader in batting average, runs and stolen bases, Carl Crawford, looks to have another strong season playing alongside Rocco Baldelli and Delmon Young in the outfield. Baldelli will be looking to avoid injury and play the entire season of pro ball, while Young is looking to make good on his talent and have a break out season.

The infield will include Ty Wigginton at first base who led the team in home runs and RBIs last season. At second base, Jorge Cantu looks to have a strong 2007 season after having spent long spans on the injured reserve last season. Third base is up for grabs as BJ Upton and off-season acquisition Iwamura look to compete for the starting position. Iwamura offers a steady glove on the hot corner, while Upton struggled defensively in his call up for the final two months of the 2006 season. If Iwamura can proficiently adjust, look for Upton to move to the bench as a utility player being able spot play in both the infield and outfield. Shortstop looks to be filled by Ben Zobrist who is hitting batting over .350 in spring training thus far. Greg Norton and Jonny Gomes are the likely designated hitters. The five tool talent Elijah Dukes will also be competing for some at-bats in talented line-up.

The Devil Rays greatest strength may also be their Achilles heel. As the season wears on, mounting losses and frustration may divert their focus on developing into a team that looks to be highly competitive in the future. What is going to be the major indication of success this spring and summer will be the pitching, particularly relief pitching.

The Devil Rays bring back their ace Scott Kazmir who is looking to come back from injury and demonstrate his number 1 status. Fillling out the rest of the starting rotation are Jae Seo, James Shields, Corey Fossum and JP Howell (the only left hander in the starting rotation). The bullpen looks to be the bell weather for the ball club. If the bull pen can manage to maintain leads and ties, they will provide their young and talented hitters a chance to win more ball games. Moreover, the Rays must develop a consistent closer that can close down the opponent in late game, pressure packed situations. Rightie Seth McClung is looking to become that stopper that the Rays pens desperately needs. If the Rays can put together a decent bullpen and their young players develop into consistent major league ball players, the Rays should earn more wins than last season. However, considering the American League East is probably the toughest in all of baseball, the Rays may have to be content with improving their win/loss record. Yet in the process of rebuilding this may be the major step (determining and solidifying the young talent) in becoming a play-off contender in 2008.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - 2007 Season Preview Tampa Bay Devil Rays
ThePundits prediction: They have a good offense but you can't win with one starting pitcher(Scott Kasmir). Jae Seo #2, Casey Fossum #3? 5th in AL East: Can anybody see the Rays finishing higher than 5th?

[azrael492]

Do they have anybody in the minors about ready to come up. I say take a page from the Marlins and give them a shot. they can't do any worse than some of the people they already have. Who knows, they may find a star.