The Tampa Bay Devil Rays

OK... After the laughter has subsided, I just wanted to get the feelings of some baseball fans from different points in the world on my beloved Rays. Does anyone think they are on the rise, and can be compeitive this season? Or that they will never rise beyond the cellar?

The team was sold in the off season, and the difference is palpable. They were above .500 in the 2nd half last season, were hitting the ball all year. They are loaded in the OF, are blessed with great speed, and can hit. Their pitching is young, and the infield defense(aside from Lee and Hall) is average to suspect. There is no one that can play 3rd consistently, Cantu is shaky, and Lugo is as likely to throw the ball in the stands, as he is pinching the hole and making the throw. But the new staff seems to be making an impact. Multiple players have commented on Maddon's focus on fundamentals, and the individual instruction they're getting. The pitching coach, Mike Buthcer, has already helped ace to be Kazmir correct a flaw in his release point, and his location has been stellar(last outing not included, lol). The new staff has seemed to infused some fire to these young guys. They won't win the East. I'm just looking for hope.

What do ya think?

:toast:

I think they have a chance for a respectful, at least for the D-Rays, season however in the AL East its gonna be a long long time till you can even think about playoffs.

baseballfan said:

I think they have a chance for a respectful, at least for the D-Rays, season however in the AL East its gonna be a long long time till you can even think about playoffs.

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Yeah, being in the AL east is tough. Hell, they won the series with the Yankees last season and still finished in last place. :nohead:

i like the rays. stay a fan, f___ these high priced teams (see wbc). you'll always see an effort from them. when betting, i think you have to look for spots where they may win as a dog with generous odds. you'll do better that way i think, than trying to beat them.

Does anyone think they are on the rise, and can be compeitive this season?

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I'll take an 8-6 start, they are my home team (still a white sox fan though). BIG SERIES VS THE RED SOX THIS WEEK!!!




Ted where in Tampa are you from??

They've got a ton of young talent(although they need some more pitching)...if they can keep their good, young core they'll be better than average soon. Being in the AL East is going to kill them, though. What a shame.

I agree....much talent and a very young team with alot of potential. Off to a good start this year. Pitching has improved, and they got guys that can pound the ball with lots of fast legs. Had to reply as they are my hometown team as well. GO RAYS