Ownership of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (now just the Tampa Bay Rays) is possibly turning around with this franchise. I’m a huge Rays fan, and throughout their short existence I’ve come to the conclusion that every season we start, it’s not going to be a good one. However, the tides may be turning.
Ownership is showing very good signs of doing whatever it takes to get this team, franchise, and fan base out of the basement.
First, there was the announcement of the new uniforms. Personally, I didn’t think there was a problem with our image. I liked the green. I thought our uniforms were conservative (as are most team uniforms in the Major Leagues), they had a decent color scheme that didn’t look like any other team, and for some reason I liked the vest-style uniforms they wore. often. Uniforms were obviously not this team’s problem. We all know that, but I can see why the ownership would want a change.
I think on the one hand, they want everyone to know, especially the fans here in Tampa, that this is a new ownership and a fresh start. I think they want you to see Tampa (well, St. Petersburg, which is in the Tampa Bay area) and what the area (and the state of Florida, FL.) is all about when you look at them. Sun, water (bay and beaches) and colour, in this case the blue that suits our area very well.
I will miss the green uniforms though. There were some great moments and pictures made with the Rays in those green uniforms, especially this 2007 season, like Carl Crawford’s natural steal of home plate, BJ Upton’s natural steal of home base, Carlos Pena removing over 40 home runs and Scott Kazmir. and James Shields pitching like two of the best and incredibly tough pitchers in the league.
But I can not complain. I wanted to change with this team like all the fans here. Initially, I didn’t think changing uniforms was the plan. He just wanted them to spend $10 million to $20 million in the bullpen. Heck, we had a ton of talent this year everywhere, especially hitting, in the outfield, major infield upgrades and with our top two starting pitchers. However, I didn’t know that the uniform change was just the beginning!
The Tampa Rays ownership and organization then announced plans for the development of a new stadium on the Al Lang Field site in St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as redevelopment of the existing site at Tropicana Field, which would become a community residential and commercial that would prosper even more. the growth of the City of Saint Petersburg and its surrounding communities.
Although the plan hasn’t been approved yet, it sounds promising since the Rays organization hasn’t promised to raise taxes, pay off the current lease, I think in 10 or 12 years, of Tropicana Field and its land through investment and earnings from the new development that would go in its place and then additional funding from the team itself. Obviously, there’s a lot more to all of that and I don’t know a lot of details, but from what I’ve heard, it seems that the owners of the Tampa Rays have a very good plan and the mayor of the city of St. Petersburg supports it.
However, I was a little excited when I heard about the plans for the new stadium. Tropicana, while not really that bad of a course, just doesn’t give you the Major League Baseball feel. I grew up playing 12 years of baseball. I love the game I love outdoor baseball and there is nothing quite like watching a baseball game in an outdoor stadium. But I understand why they chose the dome from the start. Sometimes it gets really hot here in Tampa and the humidity makes it worse. During baseball season it also rains a lot which obviously could cause problems with ball games they just don’t have with the Tampa Bay Bucs (because of the time of year) or the Tampa Bay Lightning (because hockey here has to be played indoors ). Both factors, I’m sure; we are the main ones in deciding where the Rays would play when they were born.
The new ownership has taken those factors into account when it comes to the new stadium. The stadium design, which does not have the possibility of a hard roof, sits 20 feet from the bay and only seats 35,000 – 40,000 fans (with the possibility of a bunch more with additional temporary bleachers) has a really long ( I do not know). I don’t know what to call it but it looks like some kind of a sailboat mass) leaning pillar beyond center field that would support a pulley type system that would lift two large canvas covers (they look like) over the stadium providing shade on really scorching days or protection against the rain when it falls. And we all know it will! So the design, while odd compared to other major league ballparks, is quite interesting and capable of handling the elements provided by Mother Nature here in Tampa.
Now, even with the uniform changes and proposed plans for a new stadium, fans weren’t excited enough to believe in this franchise. But I think the property is starting to get fans’ attention when it comes to on-field personnel.
Before the winter meetings, the Tampa Bay Rays made some aggressive moves initiating a 6-player trade with the Minnesota Twins to send out 2007 Rookie of the Year finalist Delmond Young, 2007 comeback and reliable shortstop Brendan Harris. and minor league pitcher Jason Pridie for a terrific starting pitcher in Matt Garza, a reliable shortstop and above-average hitter (although he had a bad season last year) in Jason Bartlett, and minor league reliever Eduardo Morlan. The Rays had some bargaining power this year with the talent they had on the field and the reserve talent in the minors and it appears they are using it to fix their pitching woes. Now, with Garza, the Rays have a formidable third starter who may very well be the second or first starter at some clubs, but with the Rays Kazmir and Shields, he will probably be the third starter creating a top 3 starter that will compete with everyone. yes all, clubs in Major League Baseball.
Jason Bartlett, if he returns the way most think he will, will come in and solidify the infield at shortstop as Brendan Harris leaves for the Twins, Josh Wilson gets lost in Pirates waivers, Akinori Iwamura leaves moves to second base (announced this week) and Carlos Peña to first. However, the big question right now is whether Evan Longoria is ready to make it to the big leagues and step into the third base position. Most say he should be there, but the Rays are looking as we speak to find depth at third base. We know Akinori Iwamura is a good fit at third base, but if Longoria is ready, he’ll be looking at one of the best infields in all of baseball.
In addition to third base, the Rays are also looking to add depth in right field now that Delmond Young is leaving for the Twins. The Rays currently have Carl Crawford in left field, BJ Upton in center (what an amazing fit Upton and the Rays made putting him there), and Rocco Baldelli (hopefully he can stay healthy) and Johnny Gomes in right.
I am not convinced that Baldelli or Gomes are right. If Baldelli can stay healthy, the Rays will have the best outfield in all of baseball. If Gomes takes right field, well, sure, he’s very capable of playing right field, but there are a lot of strings attached to him at the plate. So depth at that position, which would also contribute to depth for the DH role, is one of the Rays’ goals this preseason.
Finally, I must mention the position of the receiver. Dioner Navarro did not impress last year. He may have gotten strong late, but still, not much to impress. The Rays will be looking for depth in Catcher without a doubt.
Okay, with all that said, let’s go over some other moves the organization has made.
Perhaps even the most notable deal the Rays have made is the signing of closer Troy Percival. Let’s go Rays fans! You have to love this. Sure he had an injury that cost him some time in the MLB, but he was great last year, we give him a good deal this year, he’s a veteran and he’ll help the bullpen, oh, and he can still pitch pretty impressive. I love this signature. I applaud the Rays for getting it done.
Below we have dealt with the issues with Elijah Dukes. The Rays have traded the Dukes to the Washington Nationals for minor league lefty Glenn Gibson. Again, a good move! We don’t need the trouble Dukes gives us. Sure, he could be and probably will be a very good ballplayer, but not here. He’s had too many problems here (not with the Rays but personally). However, Glenn Gibson has very good potential and very good material. A couple of years down the line and he may be pitching full time for the Rays. A good deal for me and I’m sure we saved some money here too.
Let’s face it! I know we all want to win now, but we still have to have minor league talent for the future and Dukes, well, it just wasn’t in our future. Gibson has the potential to be and I think that was a very smart move on behalf of the organization.
Lastly, the Rays sold their No. 1 Rule 5 Draft pick of Tim Lahey to the Chicago Cubs for $150,000.
Okay, why not? The Rays have some good talent in the minors, so losing one isn’t a big deal and they need some money (okay, maybe need isn’t the word; he could rather use a lot more extra).
So aside from that, there are a few things the Rays will still be looking to do this offseason. They need to strengthen the receiver position which is important. They need to find some depth to the right to contribute at the DH position, preferably a southpaw.
There is also talk of possibly more offers. The Rays may be looking to go after a veteran bullpen pitcher like Ron Mahay. They may also try to go after left-handed outfielders or players to fill the DH position, such as Cliff Floyd, Luis Gonzalez, Luke Scott, or possibly even Josh Hamilton.
One thing is for sure and the Rays have made it clear, we will get better. We will start winning!
Well I hope so!