Talk about a 180. For the Tampa Bay Rays, 2008 began with a new name and ended in the World Series, AL Champions — the first winning season in franchise history!
With stern yet likable Manager of the Year Joe Maddon at the helm, the young nucleus of outfielders Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton, pitchers Scott Kazmir, James Shields and David Price, catcher Dionner Navarro and Rookie of the Year third baseman Evan Longoria in tact and still improving. Their youth, along with a few free agent signings, make the Rays the favorite to win the division. That’s right, the Rays are the team to beat.
The Rays added Pat Burrell in the outfield (with Matt Joyce acquired from Detroit to join Gabriel Gross as backups), while parting ways with one of its most popular players, Rocco Baldelli, was not re-signed. The club also let Cliff Floyd go, who had a strong presence in the clubhouse.
With power hitting Johnny Gomes signed by Cincinnati, first baseman Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell are being relied to supply middle-of-the-order power. The pitching staff of Kazmir, Shields, Matt Garza and Andy Sonnenstine returns along with the Rays’ bullpen, anchored by closer David Price.
Despite their great achievements in 2008, you can bet Joe Maddon and his young Rays are not satisfied with “just a pennant.” With continued growth and maturity by their core players, we can only expect the Rays dynasty has just begun.
Topics: AL Champion, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, David Price, Joe Maddon, Matt Garza, Pat Burrell, Tampa Bay Rays
Latest Headlines
- Don Mattingly Joins Bob Salomon’s Epic Journey
- Tools Of The Trade: A Chat With Cubs’ Shiraz Rehman
- To The Farm: Addictions And Inspirations
- Our Mantle And Our Hope
- Dodgers Suitors Finding Out A Billion Dollars Isn’t What It Used To Be
- ‘Tex’ Talks Getting On Base, Yanks 2012 and Munson
- Q & A With San Francisco Giants Prospect Justin Fitzgerald
- Bike Spokes and Shoe Boxes – 2011 Topps Bowman Sterling NFL
- Time For Baseball To Truly Embrace Modern Fans
- MLB And Project Prospect Top 100
- Morrow’s Time
- Bike Spokes and Shoe Boxes – 2011 Topps Triple Threads NFL
- Baseball Places 16 in Sports Power 100
- Buehrle Launches Campaign To Repeal Miami Pit Bull Ban
- A Little Bit On The Wild Side With Padres Prospect Cody Decker
In The News
Bike Spokes and Shoe Boxes – 2011 Topps USA Baseball Box Set
Today, BS&SB looks at the 2011 Topps USA Baseball Box Set.
Bike Spokes and Shoe Boxes – 2011 Topps American Pie
After a mid-winter break, BS&SB returns with a look at 2011 Topps American Pie.
Michael Schlact Continues Baseball Career With Blue Crabs, Remains Positive
Pitcher Michael Schlact,26, has re-signed with the Atlantic League Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
Prince Lands A King’s Ransom
The Detroit Tigers replaced injured Victor Martinez with one of the biggest bats in baseball.
Baseball Rep Firm Legacy Sports Group Merges with The Agency Sport Management
Legacy Sports Group (“Legacy”), a leading