2012 Rays Season Thread

[RaysFan_98]

Thought i would start a thread for the new season

GO RAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[raysnbran]

I'm not sure I like some talking heads picking the Rays for the World Series. I'd prefer we fly under the radar for a while. Though I don't mind if Joe makes that their goal from day one, we just don't need them reading their press clippings, like the Lightning did this season and then **** the bed...

[Yaz]

I don't think after what happened last September anyone will be believing their own press clippings anytime soon. Especially a team like Tampa Bay when they were the beneficiaries of that Red Sox collapse. Plus the Phillies, Angels, Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox, Rangers, Giants, Marlins, and Reds are more favored to win it all than the Rays this year. Typical lack of respect.

I like the the Rays to win the AL East but they'll still need to get through the Tigers, Rangers, and Angels. Maddon will definitely need to try a new approach with those last two.

[raysnbran]

Everything has to break right for the Rays to compete for a playoff spot, let alone a spot in the World Series. Hitting needs to improve and be consistent, our bullpen has to mesh again with new relievers in Badenhop and Rodney, SPs have to stay healthy. Price had a down year, Shields had a career year, both will adjust to pre-2011 levels. Scott and Pena and Longo have to play 145-155 games to fuel the offense. S-Rod or Brignac have to grab hold of the SS job and be an asset on offense not just on defense. Plus like you mentioned, so many teams in the AL have loaded up. But that's why they play the games.

[RaysFan_98]

I'm not sure I like some talking heads picking the Rays for the World Series. I'd prefer we fly under the radar for a while. Though I don't mind if Joe makes that their goal from day one, we just don't need them reading their press clippings, like the Lightning did this season and then **** the bed...

we've earned it bro. Even zobrist has already said anything but a WS title would be a Failure.

[Yaz]

I don't think much needs to break right at all. They had the best starting pitching and defense in the AL last year. Both will improve this season but not as much as the offense will. A full season of Desmond Jennings will improve both the offense and defense.

The bullpen remains a wildcard but with such a surplus of starters it won't be taxed hard at all. Niemann or Davis will be moved there and Cobb will remain on standby to fill in starts for any injured starters.

The Rays should also have the most steals in the AL again and remain the most versatile team in the MLB.

Meanwhile, the Yankees and Red Sox are older, slower, and more injury prone. The team with the least injuries will chase the Rays for the division and the other will battle Toronto for third place. The wild card will come from the west in 2012 so it's all or nothing for the AL East.

[RaysFan_98]

I don't think much needs to break right at all. They had the best starting pitching and defense in the AL last year. Both will improve this season but not as much as the offense will. A full season of Desmond Jennings will improve both the offense and defense.

The bullpen remains a wildcard but with such a surplus of starters it won't be taxed hard at all. Niemann or Davis will be moved there and Cobb will remain on standby to fill in starts for any injured starters.

The Rays should also have the most steals in the AL again and remain the most versatile team in the MLB.

Meanwhile, the Yankees and Red Sox are older, slower, and more injury prone. The team with the least injuries will chase the Rays for the division and the other will battle Toronto for third place. The wild card will come from the west in 2012 so it's all or nothing for the AL East.

Unless they add a 2nd wildcard

[raysnbran]

Matt Moore strains an abdominal muscle in the first session and Longoria gets drilled in the hand from a Matt Bush fastball. Not what you want to hear in the first week of spring training. Both will be OK though, which is the important thing.

[RaysFan_98]

So far a great start 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st.

[raysnbran]

0-3 to start the exhibition season, offense hasn't been at full strength in any game yet. Longoria out until Thursday now, Pena and Scott haven't played yet, I think. Moore returned however, so luckily it was a mild strain.

[raysnbran]

Well, so far we have obviously proved we cannot beat the Twins in March. Shields needs to step up and make a statement tomorrow in his 2 innings of work

[raysnbran]

David Price day to day after hurting his neck toweling off between innings...you can't make this stuff up

[RaysFan_98]

David Price day to day after hurting his neck toweling off between innings...you can't make this stuff up

Indeed not i about spit out my soda i was drinking when i read about that.

[raysnbran]

Rays score 5 runs in the 9th to take a 2 run lead then give it right back and end up tied 7-7 after 10...at least their offense finally woke up...

[RaysFan_98]

Moore looked good yesterday though