Countdown to Opening Day #5 Tampa Bay Rays

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#5 Tampa Bay Rays: The Friedman Philosophy

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Desmond Jennings
SS Yunel Escobar
3B Evan Longoria
RF Ben Zobrist
LF Matt Joyce
DH Luke Scott
1B James Loney
C Jose Molina
2B Kelly Johnson

PROJECTED ROTATION
David Price
Matt Moore
Jeremy Hellickson
Alex Cobb
Jeff Niemann

BULLPEN

Closer: Fernando Rodney

Set-up: Jake McGee

Top Prospect: Wil Myers (OF)

I know it is not all General Manager Andrew Friedman's philosophy, but as the head figure we all see for the Rays, I like to tip my hat to him and bow down for the work he has done with a roster that is around 60 million for everyone. The Yankees have more money in three infielders (Jeter, Rodriguez, Texeira) that will all start the year on the Disabled List.
I believe Billy Beane has altered his thinking to more of a  Friedman style. So this guys needs a movie. At least he has made the World Series in recent years. And every year they let big free agents walk and still win 90 games.
This year they traded James Shields before his free agent years come up and brought back an impact bat to help the offense get back on track. They saw they needed defensive help and loaded up the bench with glove guys. The starting lineup does not look overpowering, but bench guys like Sean Rodriguez and Ryan Roberts will really help the Rays over a full season.
If Longoria can stay healthy the Rays are going to be able to contend again. Matt Moore has a chance to really take off in his sophomore season and the Rays smartly signed him to a friendly five year deal before he reach David Price land, which means they have only a few more years left with the reigning Cy Young winner, because he is now out of the Rays price range.
Signing their prospects early is important, but also they ability to find talent and mold them into strong major leaguers is crucial. If they pan out they can eventaually trade them for  Alex Cobb and Jeff Niemann are supposed to be the back-end of the rotation this season, but if they failed or need to be traded for help elsewherreinfe, Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Mike Montgomery, and even Roberto Hernandez (Fausto Carmona) all wait in the wings.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - The Rays rule stays in effect (rookie get called-up May 1st) and after a mediocre April call-ups to Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi (the two top prospects in the Shields' trade) head over to Tropicana Field. Their youth, excitement  and skills spark this team to new heights. With a healthy year of Evan Longoria, a dynamic lead-off hitter in Desmond Jennnings, and Rookie of the Year Wil Myers, the Rays roll in the challenging A.L. East.

REAL TALK - Other than Longoria there are not that many flashy names, but I believe the combination of players Freidman has put together and Joe Maddon has to manage might be his best job yet. A lot leans on the maturation of starters Matt Moore and Jeremy Hellickson. But if those two give the Rays a strong trio with David Price, the A.L. should be on the lookout. 

Breakout: Matt Moore (LHP)

Bust: Alex Cobb (RHP)
Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Desmond Jennings (OF)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (3rd in AL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 93-69 (1st in AL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Cincinnati Reds**