2011 MLB Team Preview: Tampa Bay Rays
Hard to believe, as many of us watch the snow fall outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; teams will report soon to 2011 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.
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Rays Calender
FEB. 1-18, 2011 – Salary arbitration hearings
FEB. 14, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
FEB. 19, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for non-pitchers and catchers
FEB. 26, 2011 – Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players
One step forward, two steps back, one step forward again. That’s the pattern we’ve seen from the Tampa Bay Rays over the last three seasons, with a 2009 flop sandwiched between playoff berths in 2008 and 2010. Does that mean they’re due to step back in 2011? Considering that they lost three key players from their roster, the Red Sox and Yankees are optimistic.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
World Series odds: +2500
For years, Tampa Bay collected young talent, waiting to see the improvement, and it finally happened in 2008. Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, David Price and James Shields, just to name a few, exploded onto the scene.
The Rays mixed in some smart moves, acquiring guys like Matt Garza and Carlos Pena to combine with their young guns and the face of the franchise, Carl Crawford. The team clicked and became a contender.
But that status is seriously threatened in 2011. Carl Crawford was the best player in Rays’ history; he now plays for the division rival Boston Red Sox. Garza was a solid No. 2 starter who pitched his best in big games; He’s a Chicago Cub now. Carlos Pena wasn’t perfect but had tremendous power and on-base ability; he, too is a Chicago Cub.
Those are three major gaps to fill on the Rays’ roster. As a result, their World Series odds fall outside the top 10 at most major sportsbooks. Bettors and fans are leaping off the Tampa bandwagon.
But I think doing so is a bit hasty. Sure – the Rays never could’ve afforded to keep Crawford. But we have to ask ourselves why they traded Garza and let Pena walk. The Rays did it because they believed they could replace the departures from within. 
Carl Crawford is gone but Rays megaprospect Desmond Jennings has been billed as the “next Carl Crawford” in the outfield by many scouts and could start on Opening Day. Garza is gone but Jeremy Hellickson shone in the Rays’ rotation after being called up last year and probably has a higher ceiling.
Also, newly signed Manny Ramirez’s power and patience can easily replace Pena’s. Johnny Damon is a solid veteran bat off the bench.
So how can we be so sure that the Rays will take a step back? It wasn’t Crawford and Garza’s team anymore, anyway. The Rays belong to Longoria and Price. Longoria is one of the game’s best all-around players and the third baseman could win an MVP award any day now. Price has blossomed into a power lefty in the mold of C.C. Sabathia and just missed a Cy Young last season.
2011 OUTLOOK
In Longoria, Price, Hellickson, Jennings, Upton and even starting pitcher Wade Davis, the Rays still have one of baseball’s best young cores. To me, they’ve adequately filled the gaps left by their offseason departure.
Most importantly, I believe their pitching can best the Yankees’. Tampa’s bullpen is shaky but a starting rotation of Price, Hellickson, Davis, Jeff Niemann and bounce-back candidate James Shields could be one of the game’s deepest and best this year.
Believe it or not, I expect the Rays to slip past the Yankees for second place in the AL East behind Boston this year.
Prediction: 2nd, American League East
