[情報] Sporting News 2009 Rays preview

看板Rays作者Belladonaa時間15年前 (2009/02/17 21:21)推噓2(2推 0噓 1→)

留言3則, 2人參與討論串1/1

Sporting News Tampa Bay Rays preview The Rays went from laughingstock (last place in the A.L. East in nine of the franchise's 10 seasons) to legitimate (A.L. East title and a World Series berth) in one magical season. The groundwork for the turnaround was laid by a series of smart draft picks, the hiring of manager Joe Maddon before the 2006 season and key acquisitions in the offseason. The Rays want to prove that they're no fluke, but they'll have to battle an incredibly tough division to get back to October. THREE QUESTIONS 1. Can the Rays avoid a letdown after making it to the World Series? The past three teams to lose the World Series--the Astros in 2005, Tigers in 2006 and Rockies in 2007--all were considered surprises to make it deep into October. And none came close to duplicating its success the next season. Tampa Bay is in a much better position in terms of continuity and talent. The Rays have a young core of improving players, and there's a new level of confidence in the clubhouse. If not for the tough A.L. East, they'd be considered near-locks for the postseason. Maddon was the master of inspiration during the team's rise from worst to first last season, and he'll have to utilize a whole new set of motivational tools in 2008. He should be up to the task. 2. What should the Rays expect from David Price? The Rays traded starter Edwin Jackson early in the offseason to open a spot in the rotation, but they haven't just handed the job to Price. He'll compete with guys like Jeff Niemann (21 wins over the past two seasons at Class AAA) and Jason Hammel (35 relief appearances, five starts for the Rays in 2008). Price's changeup isn't quite to the level of his fastball and slider, and it wouldn't hinder his development if he worked on that pitch for a few starts in the minors. That said, Price will break camp with the big club as a member of the rotation. The Rays must monitor his innings and try not to overuse him; his career high (including his college days at Vanderbilt) is 133 1/3 innings pitched. 3. Who is Matt Joyce, and how can he help? Last offseason, the Rays traded a talented outfielder (Delmon Young) who didn't really fit into the franchise's plans for starting pitcher Matt Garza and shortstop Jason Bartlett. This offseason, the Rays traded a talented starting pitcher (Jackson) who didn't really fit into the franchise's plans for the future for a talented outfielder (Joyce). Joyce has a great glove and a sweet lefthanded swing with developing power (25 homers last season between the majors and Class AAA). The Rays have other options (Gabe Gross, Gabe Kapler and Fernando Perez) in right field, but it's hard to imagine they'd trade a 14-game winner for a guy they expected to send to the minors to start the season. PROJECTED LINEUP 1. 2B Akinori Iwamura. Not a prototypical leadoff man, but works here for the Rays. 2. LF Carl Crawford. Five-tool talent is coming off subpar season. 3. CF B.J. Upton. A healthy shoulder should restore his power. 4. 1B Carlos Pena. Hit .338 in close-and-late situations last season. 5. 3B Evan Longoria. Could finish in top three of MVP voting. 6. DH Pat Burrell. In the A.L., Burrell can focus solely on his offense. 7. RF Matt Joyce. Will share time with Gross and Kapler. 8. C Dioner Navarro. Maturation at the plate was a big spark for the Rays in '08. 9. SS Jason Bartlett. Slick fielder without much pop at the plate. PROJECTED ROTATION 1. LHP Scott Kazmir. Staff ace averaged only about 5 2/3 innings per start. 2. RHP James Shields. Has improved his numbers all three seasons in the majors. 3. RHP Matt Garza. Heavy sinking fastball can be unhittable when controlled. 4. RHP Andy Sonnanstine. The only remotely "crafty" pitcher in this rotation. 5. LHP David Price. Sky's the limit, but Rays will be careful with the rookie. PROJECTED CLOSER RHP Troy Percival. If he stays healthy and productive, the job is his. If not, Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour and J.P. Howell are capable. GRADES Offense: B. The offense finished ninth in the A.L. in runs last season, but several players (Crawford, Upton, Pena) are primed for bounce-back seasons. Plus, they'll have Longoria for a full season, and Burrell adds another powerful righthanded bat to the lineup. Pitching: A. The Rays already had a great rotation, and they're adding Price to the mix. The only question is in the ninth inning. But if Percival falters/is injured, there are several Plan Bs. Newcomers Joe Nelson and Brian Shouse give the bullpen serious depth. Bench: A. They're deep and versatile. Willy Aybar and Ben Zobrist can play multiple infield (and outfield) positions. Switch hitter Fernando Perez -- the organization's minor league player of the year in 2008 -- is a defensive standout and lightning-fast baserunner. Kapler can play all three outfield spots. Manager: A. Maddon has his finger on the pulse of his team, and knows where to prod and poke to bring out the best in his players. His strategies don't always follow traditional thought processes, but he proved last season that there's method behind the madness. SN Prediction: They're competing in what will be the best division race in the wild-card era, going head-to-head with both the Red Sox and the revamped Yankees. One team is going to win 90-92 games and miss the playoffs. It'll be Tampa. -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 118.160.70.19 ※ 編輯: Belladonaa 來自: 118.160.70.19 (02/17 21:23)