Offseason Agenda: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The last of the AL East. Literally. Their 66-96 recod was among the worst in the league. The D-Rays have a nice bunch of young players, and some of the better young players, but can't piece together much more than a last place finish.

Pitching
The Devil Rays have some nice young pitchers in Scott Kazmir and James Shields. The two could become one of the better 1-2 punches to start a rotation if they are kept, and have gained a couple more seasons of experience. Edwin Jackson was once a solid prospect, but isn't much more than a #5 starter on most teams. Andy Sonnanstine and JP Howell are good young pitchers. I don't mind this pitching staff, if the D-Rays can bring in a veteran starter to help mentor the young players.

This is an interesting bullpen. CP Al Reyes probably should have been traded at the past trading deadline, but none the less he's a pretty good closer. The rest of the bullpen is in turmoil. A slew of young pitchers and crappy veterans will probably make up this team's bullpen next season.

Infield
Led by comeback player of the year 1B Carlos Pena, the Devil Rays have an interesting infield. Pena is a solid first baseman, but has now transformed into a star almost overnight, or over the past season. Akinori Iwamura was picked up after he was posted by his Japan League team, and battled an injury last year. Iwamura should improve for next year. Brandon Harris and Josh Wilson could fill out the middle infield next year. Dioner Navarro is a good young catcher, but like half of this team, needs a mentor.

Outfield
An oufield full of trade candidates. LF Carl Crawford, who's one of the game's fastest and most exciting players, has had some rumors circling around him in the last little while. CF/DH Rocco Baldelli is more likely to be traded. Baldelli has been battling injuries. BJ Upton is a natural IF but isn't a bad OF. Delmon Young is a good RF prospect, and has a nice future ahead of him. Elijah Dukes is an interesting guy because of his crime filled past, but has some talent. It's too bad how he messed his career up.

Prognosis
The Devil Rays are still rebuilding and shouldn't look to be spending loads of money on old veteran players. Anithe fourth or fifth place finish is in line, unless, the team's prospects come to life and have amazing years.