by John Davis

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

After a mediocre spring training season at best, the Rays are now poised to strike back during the regular season. Poised, that is, if they can get Scott Kazmir back off the DL and out of minor league rehab of sorts. Catcher Dioner Navarro has just returned from his stint in the minors where he allowed his finger to heal, and apparently the rest did him some good, judging by his hitting results on Tuesday night (4/22).

But all the pitching that James Shields and the Rays' relief team could put together didn't begin to compare to "the Kaz's" regular pitching game. Shields has been putting together good sets in the absence of Kazmir, admittedly, but there is still a lack of some maturity there that a more experienced pitcher demonstrates.

Meanwhile, the Rays should be concerned by the recent decline in performance from some of their heavier hitters, not excluding Carlos Pena. On Tuesday night, for instance, after a stellar multiple-homer performace just two games before, Pena struck out during four consecutive at-bats.

Granted, two of those big K's were questionable, as the last strike was wrestled into the strike zone by the opposing catcher both times. Pena grew enraged with the umpire at one point, driving manager Joe Maddon from the dugout in his defense. The umpire advised Maddon to "get him under control" during Pena's expression of anger. Such poor plate performance is a far cry from the Pena that fans have come to know and love: a big barrel-wielding, home run-slugging star that keeps ladies at the Trop yelling in drooly admiration of his swarthy physique and strong features.

B.J. Upton, well-known for his fast moves, base-stealing, and outfield gymnastics during ball retrieval, is another Rays batter whose performance has recently fallen. B.J. was struck out as well, and when the fan expectation is one of homers and grand slams, that becomes hard to take, at best.

Carl Crawford, one of the American League's top home-run hitters last year, has had sporadic performance recently, with solid hitting punctuated by lackluster plate appearances. Crawford was previously known as the Rays' "go-to guy" for big hits and pitcher intimidation, but lately, that seems to have waned to some degree.

But while some of the Rays' typical A-material has been a bit off the beam lately, a few new up-and-comers have been making their presence strongly felt, in contrast. Eric Hinske, for instance, has been slinging homers and firing hits all over ball parks at home and abroad. James Bartlett has also proven to be a strong hitter, roping in pitches and looping balls into the outfield. Likewise, catcher Shawn Riggans has been holding his own among the senior members of the team, as well.

With a whole host of young talent waiting in the dugout, throwing in the bullpen, and swinging at the plate, the Rays are the team to watch this season. 2008 could indeed be "the year of the Rays."

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