Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Tickets - Preseason Overview

Tampa Bay lost the World Series, but they gained the attention of the nation. As the 2009 season prepares to get underway, the Rays look good, AL-East title good. But will they have the same intensity and enthusiasm that led them to a victory over the old guard, Boston and New York? For the most part the Rays tried to keep their roster the same as it was last year, but some exciting new additions to the batting order and the bullpen will incite Tampa Bay Rays fans to make the short trip out to their Grapefruit League spring training games out in Port Charlotte. Let's take a quick look at some of the positives and negatives from last year's team, and then dive into some of the current issues facing the team as they warm up in the springtime.

2008 Highlights
Everywhere you look on this team there were players stepping up and making a difference. As a team the Rays had the second lowest ERA in the American League. Scott Kazmir was an All-Star and finished the season with a 3.49 ERA, a team-high 166 Ks and a 1.267 WHIP. James Shields was the ace of a startlingly young starting rotation, and ended with 14 wins and a 3.56 ERA. Edwin Jackson also win 14 games. The bullpen relievers were great, with highlights that include J.P. Howell, who had a breakout season (2.22 ERA), and veteran Grant Balfour (1.54 ERA). On offense Evan Longoria and Dioner Navarro were All-Stars. The Rays were above average in terms of power, but they were as patient as they come, ending with the second most walks in the AL. Carlos Pena led the team with 31 home runs.

2008 Lowlights
If the Rays lacked anything it was consistent small-ball hitting. They finished in the back of the pack in terms of team batting average. The pitching was among the best in the league, so the only real complaint is closer Troy Percival, who wasn't as good as he can be and will have to come back from an injury this year.

Spring Training and Future
Usually the standard strategy when you win 97 games and an AL Pennant is to try to keep your team in tact, make some little moves to keep ahead of the competition that's on your tail, but mostly stand pat. This is pretty much what the Rays did over the offseason. Lefty Trever Miller signed with the Cardinals, Edwin Jackson was traded to the Tigers, and everybody's favorite Rocco Baldelli signed with the Red Sox as a free agent. Other than those guys, along with Eric Hinske and Cliff Floyd, you won't notice too many key players missing from the 2008 roster. On the up side, the Rays acquired some exciting new additions.

On offense they managed to improve their power with the free agent pickup of Pat Burrell from the Phillies. Burrell is capable of getting another 30-plus homers this season, so you have some instant improvement on offense. Fans who look online to buy Tampa Bay Rays spring training tickets will probably be interested in seeing how new outfielder Matt Joyce fits in with the team, as he's slated to contend in a battle for a spot in the batting order. The fifth starter in the rotation seems to be open for grabs, and some new additions, like Joe Nelson, Derek Rodriguez, Lance Cormier and Brian Shouse, will all fight for a spot on the team. Nelson and Shouse will probably make the back of the bullpen order.

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Comments

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 at 5:27 PM, by Louise
Tampa Bay Rays should be always competitive enough to keep pace with the others. I really like them; they’ve always been my favourite teams in MLB. Just read about them here:

http://www.devilrayshome.com

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