Tampa Bay Devil Rays

It is hard to make a splash in a division with the Red Sox and Yankees, but if you're looking for a team to cheer for in that division this season; other than the two powers, this is your team. If for no other reason than we would all love to see Lou Piniella dye his hair blond again. The team finished the 2004 season in a postition other than last for the first time in franchise history. Although it was 4th place with a 70-91 record, it still wasn't last. Part of the reason for the Rays finish last season was their anemic hitting (.258 average, 2nd worst in the league). The pitching also finished in the lower half of the league (10th, 4.81 ERA), but the bullpen was one of the best in the league last season, so if they would have had a lead, chances are they would have won.

The pitching staff for the 2005 Devil Rays will be interesting to watch. Two non-roster invites of the team have been great pitchers for other teams and are expected to do well for the Devil Rays this season; Hideo Nomo and Denny Neagle. Other than Nomo and Neagle, the rotation will look something like this, Rob Bell (8-8, 4.46), Devon Brazelton (6-8, 4.77), Doug Waechter (5-7, 6.01), Scott Kazmir (2-3, 5.67), and Mark Hendrickson (10-15, 4.81). Not exactly stellar numbers and losing Victor Zambrano in the trade with the Mets last season certainly doesn't help. However, if Nomo and Neagle can be the pitchers they once were, this will bring veteran leadership and success to this staff.

I mentioned how good the bullpen was last season. Danys Baez is the closer for the team and compiled 30 saves last season. 30 saves for a team which won only 70 games. The rest of the bullpen was ranked 3rd in the league last season with a 3.90 ERA, went 23-20 overall, and was 4th in the Majors by converting 77% of save opportunities. Put the ball in Baez's hand and the Rays will win a few more games this season.

Aubrey Huff will move from third base to third base to allow for Alex Gonzalez to move from short to third, to allow for Julio Lugo to play shortstop. Already the defense is pretty solid, then add Roberto Alomar at second and the Devil Rays have more than a formitable defense on the dirt. Gonzalez has always been an outstanding defensive player (even though his boot of a potential inning, and probably series-ending double play in the horrible 8th inning of the 2003 NLCS cost the Cubs more than the "Bartman ball") and should have no problems moving to the hot corner. Toby Hall will be behind the plate and the outfield is held down by Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, and Jose Cruz Jr. from left to right. Delmon Young will backup the outfielders and is more than qualified to do so.

This will be an exciting team to watch because they will be improved from last season and should win some big games.