The Tampa Bay Rays have been the most consistent team in the AL East as they have won 90+ games in 5 of their last 6 seasons. Last year the Rays finished with a 92-71 record, while grabbing a wildcard berth. They eventually lost to Boston in the ALDS, but they are back and primed for another run at a playoff berth. Vegas Odds have the Rays at +220 to win the AL East, +800 to win the AL Pennant and +1500 to win the World Series.
Last year the Rays ranked 11th in runs scored (700), 11th in homers (165) and 12th in batting average (.257). This year the Rays lineup is pretty much the same as last year, but they should still be an overall better offense with the progression of both Wil Myers, who has the potential to hit 30 homers and have 100 RBIs in a season & Desmond Jennings, The Rays also have back Evan Longoria (32 HRs , 88 RBIs last year), who should have another big year, plus returning is James Loney (13 HRs, 75 RBIs last year) and Matt Joyce, who hit 18 homers a year ago. It also helps that they will have David Dejesus for a full year at the top of the lineup. The Rays also have a very solid bench that includes the likes of Logan Forsythe and Jose Molina, plus year in and year out they are always one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Rays, last year, finished 12th in ERA (3.74) while allowing teams to hit just .240 off of them, which was 3rd in the league. This year they may be even better. David price (10-8, 3.33 ERA last year) had an off year, but should have a bounce back season this time around, while Matt Moore comes off a 17-4 record, 3.29 ERA season last year. Both for a potent duo at the top of the rotation. Next is Alex Cob, who went 11-3 with a 2.79 ERA and should be in the rotation full-time this year. The backend of the rotation is young but solid, with both Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi having the potential to be very good major league pitchers. This is a very solid pitching rotation. The bullpen struggled last year, ranking 18th in ERA (3.59), but they made some moves to shore up that part of their team, by signing Grant Balfour and Heath Bell, who both should contribute in a big way.
Outlook: The Rays are one of the more complete teams in the league and they have improved over last year. Having Myers and Dejesus for a full year, to go along with the returning Longoria and Loney should make this Tampa offense more than just average. The starting rotation is one of the best in the AL while the bullpen is much improved. Tampa has all the pieces in place for a series run at a World Series title. The Red Sox will be tough in this division and the Yanks are improved as well, but I do think in the end it will be the Rays walking away with the AL East title.
Info gathered from FoxSports.com and CBSSports.com
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