Well, the Rays off-season has been pathetic, but we finally have something that might actually turn out well for the Rays. I don't expect to make the playoffs this time around, but all of this; this is a rebuilding year. Even though they had another great season last year with playoff disappointment, they are rebuilding due to the horrible hit their roster has taken. They have lost nine players this off-season just because of free agency, money issues, etc. They are the following:
1. Carl Crawford
2. Rafael Soriano
3. Carlos Pena
4. Dioner Navarro
5. Joaquin Benoit
6. Grant Balfour
7. Randy Choate
8. Brad Hawpe
9. Dan Wheeler
I think all these players can be replaced over time, except for Carl Crawford. Another great player that left the Rays via trade is Jason Bartlett. Bad news as well, a good portion of the players went to either the Yankees or Red Sox. Well, by that, next season doesn't look so good. But, there are a few upsides as well. The Rays have nine first round picks in the draft which will be in June. They will have a total of eleven picks in the first eighty-nine picks. Rebuilding? They have also went out and signed two decent players: Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. These players have both proved themselves in the past, but maybe, age could be getting to them? Or maybe, age is just a number? Either way, Damon and Ramirez will both be great additions to the team. With all these prospects coming in, it's good to have a couple veterans on the team. Damon and Ramirez can most likely really guide these new players coming in. Luckily, the Rays still have their star third baseman, Evan Longoria locked up with a six year deal which started back in 2008. In the next couple years, watch out. The Rays are back in business. They may not have money, they may not have even a slight change of winning the American League East next year or having a great season like last season, but still. The Rays are back. Thoughts?
1. Carl Crawford
2. Rafael Soriano
3. Carlos Pena
4. Dioner Navarro
5. Joaquin Benoit
6. Grant Balfour
7. Randy Choate
8. Brad Hawpe
9. Dan Wheeler
I think all these players can be replaced over time, except for Carl Crawford. Another great player that left the Rays via trade is Jason Bartlett. Bad news as well, a good portion of the players went to either the Yankees or Red Sox. Well, by that, next season doesn't look so good. But, there are a few upsides as well. The Rays have nine first round picks in the draft which will be in June. They will have a total of eleven picks in the first eighty-nine picks. Rebuilding? They have also went out and signed two decent players: Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. These players have both proved themselves in the past, but maybe, age could be getting to them? Or maybe, age is just a number? Either way, Damon and Ramirez will both be great additions to the team. With all these prospects coming in, it's good to have a couple veterans on the team. Damon and Ramirez can most likely really guide these new players coming in. Luckily, the Rays still have their star third baseman, Evan Longoria locked up with a six year deal which started back in 2008. In the next couple years, watch out. The Rays are back in business. They may not have money, they may not have even a slight change of winning the American League East next year or having a great season like last season, but still. The Rays are back. Thoughts?
